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Michael Essien insists playing for his country is priceless and has pointed out the sacrifices he has had to make throughout his career just to turn out in Ghanaian national team colours. Essien says the publicised row over appearance fees wouldn't have been an issue at all in the Black Stars camp at the FIFA World Cup had authorities been more straight forward on the issue even if the money was not coming. "The appearance fee was also not the problem, but the promises and failing to fulfil them was the issue," Essien told the Presidential Commission of Inquiry in camera. "Players play for pride and its an honour to play for Ghana. I've sacrificed despite nine surgeries playing for Ghana," the midfield maestro added. The AC Milan star spent an hour on Monday afternoon speaking in camera via Skype with the Presidential Commission of Inquiry looking into the Black Stars' disastrous campaign at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, with the commission describing the hour long interaction 'fruitful.' "These and other revelations,explanations,denials and recommendations will help the commission to make conclusions and recommendations after finding the facts. Other players will be heard soon," a statement by the commission noted. According to Thomas Boakye Agyemang, PRO of the Justice Dzamefe led commission, Essien denied accusations of not warming up before the Portugal game saying as far as he is concerned, substitutes need not warm up always before matches. "They warm up when changes are about to be made," Essien reportedly said. The AC Milan star whose only game time at the World Cup was as a substitute in the opening 1-2 loss to USA, reportedly also expressed dissatisfaction with "too many people around the team and this should be checked".