Agyemang Badu Named For AC Milan Game

Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has become the firstGhanaian local player to walk into the first team of a club in themajor leagues of Europe. Badu has been named in Udinese's squad to face AC Milan in the Italian top-flight this weekend just TWO DAYS after joining the club. Ghana local players normally go through the youth system of a team or are made to adapt to the European style by playing with the second team before they are promoted. But Badu overly impressed officials of Udinese in his first day of training on Wednesday that they have named his in their 20-man squad for the game. The fact that he has been considered for the clash against giants AC Milan on Friday means he is highly rated. This is an indication that Badu has cemented his reputation as an influential player and one to be taken seriously for the future. Badu secured the work permit to play in the Itlaian top-flight on Monday and Udinese's decision has placed him in the Ghanaian history books. The 19-year-old arrived in Italy on Wednesday morning to begin his career with Udinese following an excellent showing at the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola last month. His agent Goran �Super Agent� Milovanovic secured the lucrative deal with Udinese after the youngster helped Ghana win the U20 World Cup in Egypt late last year. The Super Agent is credited for securing lucrative and big clubs for Ghanaian players, ensuring that they will get regular playing time. With Udinese exhausting their quota clubs across Europe including Paris St Germain and German side Hanover contacted the Serie A side for a loan deal for Badu. But another foreign player was dropped from their list to make way for the Ghanaian enforcer. His performance at the Africa Cup of Nations further attracted interest which prompted the loan offer from the two clubs to boost their squad before the winter transfer window shuts.But Udinese, who are struggling this season, say they want to keep Badu to boost their chances in league affirming the 19-year-old as one of the best young midfielders in the world. Badu will join his Ghanaian colleague Kwadwo Asamoah in the Udinese camp for the AC Milan game. Udinese squad for Milan-Udinese game Goalkeepers: Belardi, Handanovic, Romo Defenders: Coda, Cuadrado, Lukovic, Pasquale, Zapata Midfielders: Asamoah, Badu, Inler, Isla, Lodi, Sammarco, Zimling Forwards: Di Natale, Floro Flores, Geijo, Pepe Sanchez.