Charles Kwablan Akonnor continues to have respect and love for Asante Kotoko despite not leaving on a good note because he believes the club gave him a better platform to excel.

Akonnor left Kotoko after just nine months in charge following the club's decision to replace him as head coach with Kjetil Zachariassen and reassign him as technical director. 

“Honestly, I tried as much as I can to separate my emotions and what has to be done; and I think I respect the team, I respect the people of Asanteman and I have them at heart,” Akonnor said on  Soccer Life Show which airs on Adom TV every Sunday at 8:30 pm. 

He added; “When I was in Accra, heard so many things about the team but I didn’t really know this is how the team is till I went there and I felt it; and I got closer to the team but what happened has already happened but it doesn’t change how I feel about the team and I don’t want to be in a situation where I am fighting with them. They have given me a better platform,” he added.

The 45-year-old, former Hearts of Oak coach, joined the Porcupine Warriors on a three-year deal in 2018 after terminating his contract with Ashanti Gold. 

Akonnor guided Kotoko to reach the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time since 2008 last year. 

He also helped the Porcupine Warriors to beat Karela United in the GFA Normalization Committee Special Competition tier-1 final to grab a ticket to this year's CAF Champions League.