Stephen Appiah - has been reacting to the news that CAS has overturned FIFA's decision that he pays compensation to Fenerbahce
"The CAS has decided to overturn FIFA's decision to order Stephen Appiah to pay compensation to his former club, Fenerbahce," a statement from the Base Soccer Agency - Appiah's agents read.
Appiah was originally ordered to pay Fenerbahce compensation of over €2 million following the termination of his contract in 2008.
"Both parties appealed the decision to the CAS, with Fenerbahce claiming over €12 million in compensation. However, following a hearing in Lausanne in April 2010, the CAS agreed with Appiah's argument that any compensation payable by him is outweighed by the saving made by the club through not having to pay the remainder of his contract."
Appiah spoke to his website www.stepapp.com on Thursday Morning and had this to say
'This is welcome news and I am glad it is over because it has been a long journey with a lot of hardships and more downs than ups'
'I dont wish what happened to me on anyone and I hope no one suffers as much as I have in the last two years because of this dispute'
'Two years of my career has been taken away due to the injury but I have always been positive and will continue to be. I kept my chin up at all times and now that it has been concluded I can rest assured there is nothing to worry about in the future'
Asked whether he had any hard feelings towards Fenerbahce Stephen said
'None at all. We had a disagreement and it has now been settled. There is no point having hard feelings about what happened in the past'
'It is a shame all this happened because as I have said in the past playing for the people of Fenerbahce was an honour. I had a good time there. That chapter of my career was one of the best. The Fenerbahce fans are the best fans you will ever meet and I am really proud to have played for them'
'But as I have said all along, I have no bad feelings towards anyone at Fener. I still have friends there and will always do - what is past is done and there is no point crying over spilt milk'
'I will like to thank God first and foremost for being there for me. I will also like to thank my closest family, the Stepapp team, Base soccer Agency and the legal team as well as my close friend Michael Essien. Without these people I dont know how I would have made it'
'Also a big thanks to my close friends in the media for keeping my story alive, my Black Stars colleagues and friends who have supported me and all Ghanaians and well wishers anywhere in the World whose prayers and encouragement have kept me going. I am truly grateful to you for your support'. he concluded
APPIAH'S REACTION TO CAS VERDICT