Eric Addo was once heralded as a future superstar of African football, but ongoing knee problems have ensured the powerful defender's career has failed to live up to expectations.

The yet to be 30 year-old made his name in Europe during an impressive three-year spell with Club Brugge, but he has struggled for form and fitness since joining PSV Eindhoven in a £3.7million deal in 1999.

Addo's displays for Brugge saw him offered the chance to play for Belgium but he instead decided to represent his homeland at the 1998 African Cup of Nations.

However, he subsequently spent six years in the international wilderness before returning to the Black Stars squad in 2004, since when he has found it difficult to hold down a regular place in the team.

Eric Addo has been up to this time also capped fifteen times for the Ghanaian national team.

Born in the Ghanaian capital Accra, Addo began his European career at Club Brugge KV in 1996 and over three seasons at the Jan Breydelstadion made 60 appearances, scoring four goals.

He was voted the 1997/98 Young Player of the Year by Belgian journalists and Ghana's Player of the Year the same season as the Bruges club claimed the league title.

Addo joined PSV Eindhoven during summer 1999 for €5.9m on a five-year contract, although he spent most of his time in the reserves - and on loan at Roda JC - before finally becoming a regular as PSV retained their Eredivisie title in 2006.

In Eindhoven he is regarded as a very useful stand-in.

Addo was given the chance to represent his adopted country, Belgium, in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, but instead opted to play for his homeland.

However, after playing in the 1998 African Cup of Nations, he spent six years in the international wilderness.

He was a member of the Ghanaian squad at the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals playing in all four of Ghana's games including the exit to Brazil in the 2nd Round.


Personal information

Full name : Eric Addo

Date of birth : November 12, 1978

Place of birth : Accra , Ghana

Position : Midfielder

Current club : PSV Eindhoven

Number : 18