By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Federation of Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) the organization that controls international football and organizes Football activities in the world has invited Rodney Strasser a Sierra Leoneans International to their extraordinary 174th FIFA Congress.
The 74th FIFA Congress will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, on 17 May 2024. It will be the first time that Thailand has hosted a FIFA Congress, as 211 Member Associations come together to vote on a number of key issues – including confirmation of the host nation or nations of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.
Rodney Strasser was born in Freetown and began his career at local club FC Kallon, before moving to Italy to join Milan in 2007. During his time in Milan’s youth system, he was a member of the under-20 side, who won the 2009–10 Coppa Italia Primavera. He made his first-team debut on 21 December 2008, in a 5–1 win against Udinese, coming on as a substitute for Kakha Kaladze in the 82nd minute. After a successful club and country careers, Mr Stresser has been the first Sierra Leoneans football player to be invited in the FIFA Congress.
After the invitation, Rodney Strasser noted that Words can’t express how honored he was to be selected as the first Sierra Leonean to receive an invitation to attend the upcoming 74th FIFA congress as FIFA Football Legend! He was forever grateful to had had the opportunity to represent his country and played for some amazing clubs like ,FC Kallon ,AC Milan,US Lecce ,Genoa,Parma,Reggina Calcio ,Livorno Calcio,Nk zagreb,Gil Vicente,FC Tps and the Leone Stars, adding that it had truly been a dream come true for him.
“Words can’t express how honored I am to be selected as the first Sierra Leonean to receive an invitation to attend the upcoming 74th FIFA congress as FIFA Football Legend! I’m forever grateful to have had the opportunity to represent my country and play for some amazing clubs like ,FC Kallon ,AC Milan,US Lecce ,Genoa,Parma,Reggina Calcio ,Livorno Calcio,Nk zagreb,Gil Vicente,FC Tps and the Leone Stars. It has truly been a dream comes true,” he said.
He continued that as a young boy in Sierra Leone, he had remembered falling in love with that sport. Never in his wildest dreams could he had imagined how it would change his life. He said he was grateful for the support from his family, teammates, and all the incredible fans throughout the years.
He mentioned that all the young boys and girls around the world and especially in Sierra Leone, he wanted to inspired them to pursued their dreams, work hard, never give up, and put their trust in God.
He called on them for them to Keep chasing their passions and never lose sight of their goals. He thanked everyone who had helped him in diverse ways. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has supported me on this journey,” he noted.
