Inaki Williams has decided to play for Ghana’s Black Stars.
The Athletic Bilbao striker announced his decision on Tuesday in a video posted to his social media pages.
In the video, Williams said, “I will defend Ghana’s T-shirt.”
Williams was born in Spain to Ghanaian immigrants and said last year that he feels more Spanish, despite his love for Ghana.
However, Williams is now in favour of donning the Ghana colours.
“Every step we take forward has its own meaning. An evolution. A glance into the future which leaves a trace itself. A legacy. My parents have raised me with values based on humility, respect and love,” he said.
“They have taught me to embrace life. In that constant quest to continue growing and working upon the pursuit of evolving personally and professionally as an individual.”
“That’s why I feel the moment has come for me to find my origins within myself and with Africa and Ghana which means so much to me and my family. I want to return a small part of everything it has given to us because Ghana has played a significant part of becoming who I am as a person, as a son and as a brother.”
“Today a new challenge begins. From now on, I will defend Ghana’s T-shirt with all my will whilst I give my best. I’m one of the Black Stars.”
Williams was in Ghana in June with his younger brother Nico Williams, who also plays for Bilbao.
Nico is a member of Spain’s U-21 team, but GFA is hopeful that he will join the Black Stars in the future.
Inaki, 28, committed to Spain and played in one friendly match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2016. Prior to that, he played for Spain’s U-21 team, scoring three goals in 17 games.
According to FIFA rules, players can switch countries if they have not played more than three matches for a country before the age of 21 and have not participated in a World Cup or continental tournament.
Williams now has the LaLiga record for most consecutive appearances (233) after breaking the previous mark of 202 in October.
The move gives Ghana a boost ahead of this year’s World Cup in Qatar, where they are grouped with Portugal, Uruguay, and South Korea. The tournament begins on November 21.
By: Enoch Fiifi Forson|3news.com|Ghana