# Desmond N'Ze

Desmond N'Ze Kouassi (born 17 April 1989) known as Desmond N'Ze or just Desmond in Japan, is a former professional footballer who played as a centre-back. Born in Ghana, he is a naturalized Italian citizen.

## Career
### Hellas Verona

N'Ze made his debut for Hellas Verona on 18 November 2006, coming on as a 27th-minute substitute in his side's 3–0 loss to Rimini. La Gazzetta dello Sport gave a 6 out of 10 score for his debut.

### Inter Milan

After just one appearance for Hellas Verona first team, N'Ze signed for the reserve team of Inter Milan in January 2008 on an 18-month contract.

### Avellino

After failing to make any appearances for the Inter Milan first team, Desmond signed for Serie B side Avellino in co-ownership deal. His debut was on 20 September 2008, coming on as an 85th-minute substitute is his side's 2–1 loss to AlbinoLeffe. N'Ze was an unused bench in 2008–09 Coppa Italia on 20 August; the club was eliminated by Reggiana. N'Ze made a total of ten appearances for the side in Serie B. In June 2009 Inter gave up the remain 50% registration rights to Avellino. However Avellino bankrupted at the start of season.

### Valle del Giovenco

In January 2010, Desmond joined Valle del Giovenco. He made his debut on 17 January 2010, drawing 0–0 to Portosummaga; La Gazzetta rated his debut 7 out of 10 scores. However, he only played 5 more times for VdG. The team also bankrupted at the start of next season.

### Milazzo

In March 2011 N'Ze joined Milazzo. He made his debut on 27 March 2011 against Vibonese. In the next season N'Ze played all 4 games in 2011–12 Coppa Italia Lega Pro and 19 games in 2011–12 Lega Pro Seconda Divisione.
Once again Milazzo bankrupted in July 2012.

### Fujieda MYCFC

In August 2012, Desmond joined Japan Football League side Fujieda MYFC. He made his debut on 16 September 2012, playing the whole ninety minutes as Fujieda MYFC drew 0–0 with Zweigen Kanazawa. On 20 January 2014, he left the club.

### FC Gifu

In January 2013, Desmond joined FC Gifu on loan to the end of 2013. He made his debut on 3 March 2013 against Yokohama FC, losing the game 2–0. On 31 March 2013, he was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in Gifu's 3–0 loss to Tokyo Verdy. He scored his first goal for the club on 17 April 2013, scoring in a 3–2 loss against Kataller Toyama.

### Return to Fujieda MYFC

On 1 May 2014, Fujieda MYFC announced that they had re-signed Desmond to play in their inaugural season in the J3 League. On 4 August 2014, it was announced that Desmond had left the club.

## Personal life

He also holds Italian nationality. His brother Marcus N'Ze is also a professional footballer.
In 2014, N'Ze began working for his friend Mario Balotelli as a personal assistant. He was notably his personal chauffeur at Liverpool, being frequently spotted sleeping in the passenger seat of Balotelli's Ferrari in Melwood's car park, waiting for his friend to finish training.

## Career statistics

    As of 8 August 2014
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition :
| Club | Season | League | League | Cup | Cup | Other | Other | Total | Total |
| Club | Season | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| Hellas Verona | 2006–07 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Hellas Verona | 2007–08 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Inter Milan | 2007–08 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Avellino | 2008–09 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Pescina | 2009–10 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Milazzo | 2010–11 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Milazzo | 2011–12 | 19 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 0 |
| Fujieda MYFC | 2012 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| FC Gifu (loan) | 2013 | 25 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 2 |
| Fujieda MYFC | 2014 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 |
| Career total | Career total | 73 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 77 | 3 |