Ghana captain deputy coach, George Boateng, has welcomed striker Inaki Williams’ nationality switch to play for Ghana’s Black Stars ahead of the 20222 Fifa World Cup.
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.
The Black Stars captain in a tweet, welcomes the Spain-based striker’s decision t feature for the African powerhouse.
You are welcome https://t.co/x6nwU4UceU
— George Boateng (@george1boateng) July 5, 2022
“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 has yet to decide his international future, but GFA officials are optimistic he would also play for Ghana.
Inaki, 27, initially committed to Spain and appeared in one friendly match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2016.
He previously played for Spain’s U-21 team, scoring three goals in 17 games.
Williams has remarkably gone six years without missing a La Liga match.
He had eight goals and five assists in the 2021-22 season.
This is a huge boost for the technical team of the Black Stars ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
https://twitter.com/ghanafaofficial/status/1544382882147344386
Tariq Lamptey, Inaki Williams, Mohammed Salisu, Stephan Ambrosius, Patrick Pfeffer and Ransford_Yeboah available for national selection.
Below, yours truly with the Dad of Tariq (Ahmed)
Bro, thanks for the trust and your determination to see Ghana succeed. #BringBackTheLove pic.twitter.com/vJb0byj3Ka— Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku (@kurtokraku) July 5, 2022
