Isaac Adongo, a Ghanaian MP, has apologized to Manchester United defender Harry Maguire after ridiculing him last year.
Adongo described Ghana’s vice-president Mahamudu Bawumia as loving scoring – political “own goals” in much the same way as the 30-year-old athlete – while addressing the country’s national assembly on the budget.
Maguire has had a difficult season, falling down the pecking order during Erik ten Hag’s first season as Red Devils head coach.
England manager Gareth Southgate defended Maguire, arguing that the comment was a jest.
He said, “I’ve never known a player treated the way he is.”
“He’s been an absolute stalwart for us in the second most successful England team for decades – he’s been an absolutely key part of that.
But in an ironic twist on Tuesday, the MP said he wanted to set the record straight as he proclaimed Maguire as a “transformational footballer”
“I apologise to Harry Maguire,” he said while giving his speech in the Ghanaian Parliament.
“He has turned the corner and is a transformational footballer. He is now scoring goals for Manchester United.”
“Harry Maguire is now a key player for Manchester United.”