Former Ghana defender Samuel Osei Kuffour has slammed Jamie Carragher for his remarks about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), calling on the former Liverpool defender to apologise.
Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports, downplayed AFCON’s significance, arguing that it should not be a factor in Mohamed Salah’s Ballon d’Or aspirations. His comments sparked backlash from African football figures, past and present.
Following the criticism, Carragher later clarified his stance on CBS Sports, insisting he did not intend to disrespect the tournament.
However, Kuffour, a Champions League winner with Bayern Munich, believes an apology is necessary.
“Jamie Carragher has to apologise to all African people because AFCON is not a normal tournament,” Kuffour said on Sporty FM. “Africa has given us the best of the best. Africa has produced a Ballon d’Or winner.”
Kuffour also questioned Carragher’s footballing legacy, suggesting that his success at Liverpool was more about his birthplace than his talent.
“What has Jamie Carragher achieved? If he wasn’t born in Liverpool, he would not have had the chance to play for Liverpool,” Kuffour added.
“If we mention the best 2,000 defenders in the world, Jamie Carragher will not be part of them. He’s nothing. He just talks. He should be ashamed of himself.”