Thanks For The Memories: Bauben

15 May 2011 11:00
There will always be a place for Tanandice in Prince Buaben's heart Prince Buaben will always be grateful to Dundee United for saving his career in football as he prepares to make his final appearance for the club. The midfielder is set to leave when his contract ends after today's game against Hearts. He is said to have been targeted by Brighton and Swansea to improve their squads. Buaben spent a year out of the game after being kicked out of the Ajax youth academy because of a problem with his passport. Things improved for him when things looked their blackest. In 2007 former United manager Craig Levein brought him to Tannadice for a trial and he has not looked back since. He first established himself in the United first team, then played for Ghana and lifted the Scottish Cup last season.  Buaben said: "After I left Ajax I didn't play for a year and I fell out of love with the game. I was back in Manchester at college. I had been on trial a few places but nothing worked out and, to be honest, I wasn't enjoying it. But when my agent told me United wanted me I came up, loved the place and did well enough for the manager to sign me. Coming to Dundee United saved my career. I honestly don't know what I would be doing now if it hadn't happened. The last few years have been amazing. I have picked up experience, played against some really good players, played in Europe and, of course, won the Scottish Cup. That day has been the highlight and it is something which will stay with me forever. But it's time to move on now, I feel I need a fresh challenge. I have nothing concrete yet. My agent is speaking to a few people but we will just wait and see what happens." Bauben's agent, Ladi Salami, is also the agent for Morgaro Gomis who will also leave the club. The agent  said: "There has been interest from Brighton, but there are also other offers on the table for the players. There are Championship clubs, League One clubs and also SPL clubs interested, but I can’t give details now. We will wait until the end of the season and weigh up all the offers.”Craig Conway and David Robertson will also bid the fans farewell but Buaben reckons United will continue to progress. He said: "It will be an emotional day for everyone because this is the end for some of us. In a way I am looking forward to it because it will be special, but in another it will also be a sad day. But these things happen in football and it's time to move on. The boys have been fantastic to me since I joined the club. They have helped me in my career and I will always be grateful for what they have done. Although some of us are leaving the club has great players left and with the young ones coming through I can only see the team getting stronger."

Source: FOOTYMAD