Michael Essien returned to Accra Sunday to begin preparations for the final playoff game of the 2014 World Cup with Ghana. But he was greeted by bad news.

His dad, James Essien, died in the night. The player has confirmed the news on his Twitter account: “It is difficult, but God always does things well. Thank you for support. Rest in Peace Father “.

Essien returned in selection of Ghana after two years of absence. A decision on his participation in the next game of the Black Stars will be taken on Monday.

This year, several Ghanaian players have lost a parent in the image of Anthony Annan, Asamoah Gyan and Issac Vorsah.