A mischievous Twitter user has ignited a vicious social media rumour that Ghanaian international footballer, Michael Essien, has contracted the Ebola virus disease.
The AC Milan and ex-Chelsea player was reported to have caught the disease via @YuryAlkaev – who claimed to be a sports journalist.
He even said he spoke with AC Milan’s spokesman Riccardo Coli supposedly who said: “It has come to a big shock to everyone involved with the club but we are optimistic for Essien.”
The story caused quite a stir when it was reported by a Nigerian website and reproduced by some other websites.
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But curious readers did not find any confirmation on AC Milan’s Twitter handle or website.
Rather, the club has now issued a statement, saying: “AC Milan categorically denies alleged news from abroad about its members. Such news, totally unfounded, however, have never been confirmed by any employee of our Company.”
Case closed.
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