Black Stars captain on his laid back nature, approaching his brother’s appearance record and striving to make Ghana fans happy at the FIFA World Cup.
Customers don’t come much cooler than Jordan Ayew, and Ghana’s captain was in a relaxed mood when chatting to FIFA about facing his “third home”, approaching his brother’s appearance record and giving Ghana fans something to smile about at his third FIFA World Cup™.
The veteran forward is intent on enjoying the Black Stars’ Group L fixtures against Panama in Toronto, England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia, and motivated to replicate the spirit of 2010 in order to send his compatriots to work with a spring in their step.
FIFA: What does the World Cup mean to you?
Jordan Ayew: I just want to go there and enjoy the moment. Have fun, make the country very proud, make myself proud, and be happy with myself and my team-mates.
Your brother Andre is Ghana’s record cap holder. What would it mean to overtake him?
I never thought that I would get to where I am today. I just keep on pushing, and keep on working. But for me personally, I’d prefer to have six caps and win a trophy. I just keep on playing, enjoying my football and trying to give my best for my country and to make my family proud. And to keep striving because I’m blessed, I’m healthy. As long as you’re healthy, that’s the most important thing. Everything is not going to be perfect, but the most important thing is not to give up and to keep pushing.
What does it mean to wear the captain’s armband?
Obviously it’s an honour and a big responsibility. I just take it calmly and do my best for the country, for my team-mates. I always put them first and try to do my best for them. For everyone to be happy and for everybody to be ready for each game, prepare them as best as I can and motivate them.
What do you try and to do to lead the team?
I take it day by day. I’m just a chilled person, I’m natural, you know. I just deal with things as they come, and that’s how it is.
What will decide whether Ghana get through the group?
We have to prove ourselves and we have to show that we have quality, and we have to be ready for the challenge. We all know it’s going to be difficult, but we are ready. Obviously I know people don’t think that we will do well, so that is good. I like it when people think like that. We will see when we get there.
How will it be to play against England at a World Cup?
It’s going to be a special game. I’ve been there for ten years, it’s like my third home because France is my second home. They’ve been good to me. There have been ups and downs, I’ve experienced everything there and I have really, really enjoyed my time there. I’m still enjoying it, and hopefully there are more years to come.
What are your memories of Ghana’s run to the quarter-finals in 2010?
I watched a couple of games in Ghana, then after I had to go for pre-season. The vibe, the energy they brought into the country, performing well was incredible. And to see Ghana happy, and to see people going to work with a smile on their face, there’s nothing better than that. And that is what football is all about: emotions. We will try and do our best to give hope, to let people enjoy their days at work.
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How do you prepare for big games?
I don’t really have a routine. The only routine is that I speak to my parents, I speak to my loved ones, and yeah, I’m good to go.
Do you feel nervous before big games?
No. Before, yes, but now I feel like I’m at the stage of my career where my body just controls it naturally. There’s just the positive pressure of making sure that I perform, and I make something happen in the game.
Source: FIFA.com
