Former Black Stars midfielder Sulley Ali Muntari has earned a spot in one of football’s most iconic memorabilia collections, the jersey collection of former coach of the Italian national team, Luciano Spalletti.
The former Italy boss, who previously managed clubs like Roma, Zenit, Inter Milan and Napoli, has spent nearly 30 years building a vast archive of jerseys from some of the biggest names in world football.
Among the names: Lionel Messi, whose genius redefined football; Cristiano Ronaldo, the embodiment of relentless ambition; and David Beckham, football’s global icon.
There’s Francesco Totti, Rome’s eternal prince; Daniele De Rossi, Italy’s warrior; and Cafu, Brazil’s rampaging full-back.
Yet it’s Muntari’s inclusion that tells a deeper tale, of a coach who never forgot the players who rose under him, and of a player whose journey from Tarkwa to Inter left a mark on one of Italy’s finest managers.
Spalletti coached Muntari during their time together at Udinese between 2002 and 2007, when the Ghanaian was just breaking into European football.
The midfielder would later go on to win the treble with Inter Milan in 2010 and feature in multiple FIFA World Cups for Ghana.
The collection, which has recently garnered attention for its size and prestige, features shirts from a diverse range of football greats, including John Terry, Ashley Cole, Toni Kroos, Edinson Cavani, Gonzalo Higuaín, Daniele De Rossi, and Patrice Evra.
Each jersey in Spalletti’s possession reflects a story or personal connection, either through matches played, players coached, or moments shared on the pitch.
Muntari’s inclusion underscores the impact he made during his time under Spalletti’s management and is a nod to the respect still held between the two.
To be placed alongside John Terry, Cafu, Toni Kroos, Cavani, Ronaldo, Messi, and Evra is no small feat. It’s a silent recognition that in Spalletti’s eyes, Muntari belongs in football’s hall of esteem.
FKA/EB
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