Inaki Williams opens up on playing for Ghana
Athletic Bilbao forward, Inaki Williams, who was born to Ghanaian parents has been on the lips of Ghanaians for a long while now as the Ghana Football Association looks to convince foreigners who are of Ghanaian descent to play for the Black Stars.
Following Ghana’s pursuit for a prolific striker like Asamoah Gyan, many have long hoped the GFA could tap the Spanish striker to switch allegiance to Ghana. Indeed, there were rumours that the striker had turned down the GFA’s proposal of which the football association never denied or confirmed.
Speaking to The Guardian, Inaki Williams, however, confirmed the rumours. He explained that he refused the GFA’s advancements simply because he doesn’t feel Ghanaian enough.
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“I admire and love Ghana, the food, tradition. My parents are from Accra, and I really enjoy going back. Ghana tried to convince me, but I was born in Spain, in Bilbao. I won’t ever forget my family roots, but I feel Basque and can’t con anyone. I would be comfortable with Ghana, I’m sure, but I shouldn’t be there.
“I wasn’t born or raised there, my culture’s here, and there are players for whom it would mean more. So I don’t think it would be right to take the place of someone who really deserves to go and who feels Ghanaian 100%.” Williams said to The Guardian.
The Spaniard, 27, played his 203rd successive match in the Spanish La Liga surpassing the record held by former Real Sociedad defender Juan Larranaga from 1986-1992.
Williams’ streak started on 20 April 2016 and he has managed 39 goals and 25 assists in that time.