Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck could easily have been playing his international football for Ghana this week.
The 23-year-old England striker has put Roy Hodgson's men in charge of Euro 2016 qualifying Group E with a brace in victory over Switzerland.
The Mirror says it could all have been very different, however, had Welbeck not ended a three-year pursuit by Ghana, rejecting a personal invitation in 2011 from Kwesi Appiah, who went on to become the country's national coach.
Appiah held talks with Welbeck in the Players Lounge at the Stadium of Light after a match during his loan spell there. The approach was the latest in a long line of bids from the Black Stars to tempt him away.
During his time playing for England at Under-17, 18, 19 and 21 levels, Daniel Nii Tackie Mensah Welbeck - to give him his full name - was pursued relentlessly to represent the homeland of both his parents.
"What he is experiencing now has been a long time coming," a friend told the Mirror. "It was obviously tough when Ghana came along. It was a great honour, a massive honour. But it was also like choosing between your parents.
"His family have always been behind him though and Daniel has always had full belief in his ability. He never gave up on his ambition to play for England."
