Anthony Annan

Anthony Gildas Kofi Annan (born 21 July 1986 ) is a Ghanaian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder.

Born in Accra, Anthony Annan began playing football with a local colts Super Rainbow Stars in Cape Coast, Ghana.

He also played for Cape Coast Venomous Vipers in the Ghanaian Division one league before joined Sekondi Hasaacas in 2003 and later moved to Accra Hearts of Oak in 2005.

At Accra Hearts of Oak, Annan was regarded as the best young midfielder in Ghana.

He combined midfield artistry with some goal scoring skills, and endeared himself to many football fans in Ghana.

Annan joined Accra Hearts of Oak from Sekondi Hasaacas FC in the 2005–06 league season.

He signed for the Norwegian club Start on 26 January 2007, after a very promising career in Ghana with his local club Accra Hearts of Oak.

It came after when he made his last training at Hearts of Oak.

Annan made his Start debut, in the opening game of the season, where he made his first start and played 74 minutes before being substituted, in a 4–2 loss against Aalesunds.

He quickly established himself as a first team regular during I.K. Start's preseason games, and showed skills both on and off the ball.

Unfortunately he was plagued by injury and illness during the first part of the 2007 season, and did not gain trust from then head coach Benny Lennartson in the important final games to avoid relegation.

After Start got relegated during the 2007 season, he joined Stabæk on loan until August 2008 despite signing a contract with them.

Annan made his Stabæk debut, in the opening game of the season, where he started and played the whole game, in a 0–0 draw against Molde.

After being away from the Stabæk, due to international commitment and injury, Annan made his return to the first team for a month, only to be sent-off, in a 2–1 loss against Vålerenga on 6 July 2008, for which he received a two match suspension.

After making his return from suspension, Annan made a handful of appearances in his final month at the club before cutting his spell at the club to join Rosenborg.

He had been playing well in the heart of midfield as Stabæk went unbeaten in an impressive opening half of the season.

Stabæk hinted that they want to buy him from Start, but Start stated that they would have to pay a "European transfer-fee".

Instead, Annan claimed that several "big" clubs had approached his agent and that he would leave Norway during the summer.

On 1 August 2008, it was revealed that Annan would be travelling to England for a trial with Blackburn Rovers.

After impressing Paul Ince and the Blackburn coaching staff immensely, while on trial, he was sent back to his club to play in one more competitive game where the Blackburn Rovers scouts were to watch and report back on whether or not to complete the signing.

However, the club decided against signing Annan.

Nevertheless, he continued to be linked around Europe, such as, Arsenal, Manchester United, Racing Santander, A.C. Milan and Atlético Madrid.

On 29 August 2008, it was announced that Annan was on the verge on joining Rosenborg from Start for worth about 10 million kroner, which was €1.2 million to get him.

Two days later, on 30 August 2008, he was presented for the audience on Lerkendal as a Rosenborg player before the match against Vålerenga and after the match, Rosenborg went on to win the game against Vålerenga by two goals to one.

Annan made his league debut for Rosenborg on 14 September 2008 against Fredrikstad, with the game ending 1–1 draw.

After missing out one match, due to a suspension, Annan returned to the first team from absent on 28 September 2008, in a 2–1 win over Aalesunds.

Annan finished the rest of the season, making six appearances, as they finished second place in the league.

The following season saw Annan played under 4-2-3-1 tactics, alongside Alexander Tettey, under the management of Erik Hamrén.

In the opening game of the season against Vålerenga, which saw Rosenborg win 3–0, Annan's performance was described as "exceptionally skilled at placing themselves and have defensive control."

Following Tettey's departure, Annan assumed responsibility in the defensive midfielder and the formation had changed from 4-2-3-1 tactics to either 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 formations.

As the season progressed, Annan helped the club win the league after beating Molde on 27 September 2009.

Despite being suspended, his international commitment and injury, Annan made twenty-seven appearances in all competitions and at the end of the season, Annan was named the league's Team of the Year.

In the 2010 season, Annan began to play to either 4-3-3 and offensive 4-4-2 throughout the seasonunder the management of both Hamrén and Nils Arne Eggen.

In a 1–1 draw against Aalesund on 19 April 2010, Annan claimed that Aalesund's Tor Hogne Aarøy bit him during the match and even as going by far as calling him racist.

However, Stig Thorbjørnsen played down Annan's claims and the Norwegian FA decided against taking action against Hogne Aarøy.

After missing out several matches throughout June and early-June, due to international commitment at the World Cup, Annan made his return to the first team after a month absence on 18 July 2010, in a 1–1 draw against Odds.

Then in a 1–1 draw against Vålerenga on 3 October 2010, Annan set up one of the goals, in a 3–1 win for Rosenborg.

However, during the match, Annan was involved in an incident with André Muri.

For this, Annan was suspended for a one match after picking up a yellow card and after returning to the club, Annan, once again, helped the club win the league for the second time in the row after beating Tromsø 1–0 on 24 October 2010.

At the end of the season, Annan finished the season, making thirty appearances in all competitions.