Iñaki Williams has admitted he feels more Ghanaian after visiting the country for the first time in June after three years.
Williams was part of the five dual nationals the Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed as available for national team selection.
Iñaki was born in Spain to Ghanaian parents and is eligible to play for the West African country. He made his Spain debut on May 29, 2016. However, the striker had no further competitive appearance with Spain to tie him to the European nation. As a result, he was eligible for a nationality switch due to FIFA’s rules.
However, back in 2021, Williams confirmed to The Guardian he didn't feel Ghanaian enough to play for the Black Stars despite efforts from the GFA.
“I admire and love Ghana, the food, tradition. My parents are from Accra, and I really enjoy going. 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.
“But 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 Ghana 100%,” Williams added.
Iñaki and his younger brother Nico Williams spent their 2022 summer holidays in Ghana in an attempt to “connect with their roots”.
Through that, the 28-year-old changed his mind and decided to play for Ghana. In an interview with TV3, he confirmed he feels more Ghanaian now.
During a recent interview with TV3, he revealed that he now feels Ghanaian.
“Yes, I was confused before but since I came here [Ghana] and saw all the people and all the things that I don’t see in Spain. Seeing the people is very important and they love me, they take photos of me and encourage me to play for Black Stars"
“It was beautiful playing with Spain. I have lived all my life in Spain but I don’t forget Ghana. Ghana is a special country because my parents are here, and my blood is here. Ghana is here in my heart because I enjoy this country. I see my people, I see my parents. My parents are Ghanaians and I am a Ghanaian,” he added.
When questioned about the secret behind his endurance and speed, the new Ghanaian player said: I don't know. I have been eating fufu and waakye. My mum cooks for us. Fufu and palm nut soup (nkatenkwan) makes me fast. I love palm nut soup (nkatenkwan).
The striker will be available to make his Black Stars debut during the 2023 AFCON Qualifiers in September.
Latest Stories
-
Joe Vibe strikes a ‘Pose’ with new song
3 mins -
Works begin on inner-city roads in Ho
14 mins -
GJA to commemorate World Press Freedom Day in Koforidua
24 mins -
West Ham ban director Tim Steidten from dressing room as search continues for new manager
28 mins -
Ghana Stock Exchange approves listing of Atlantic Lithium Limited
42 mins -
I haven’t been treated well by the NPP but I remain loyal – Former NPP MP
1 hour -
Black Sherif should pray for Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy to remain at loggerheads – Ajagurajah
1 hour -
Blue Ivy Carter joins mum Beyoncé in Lion King prequel
1 hour -
Stonebwoy, other African acts’ music restored after TikTok, Universal Music resolve dispute
2 hours -
Dumsor hasn’t ended – IES debunks Akufo-Addo’s claim as citizens complain of more outages
2 hours -
Bawumia praises church’s invaluable role in Ghana’s development
2 hours -
Bawumia: ‘I am confident God can use me for Ghana’s good’
2 hours -
‘Man stuffing ballot box, not our staff and incident not related to Ejisu by-election’ – EC
2 hours -
Agogo Presby Hospital holds annual performance review meeting
2 hours -
Fifth body found after Baltimore bridge collapse
2 hours