Andre Dede Ayew, 34, was snubbed in Otto Addo’s latest squad for Ghana’s crucial clashes against Mali and Central African Republic in June.
The legendary Ayew has been a very important player for the national team since he won the 2009 U-20 FIFA World Cup as the skipper for Ghana in Egypt.
The former Westham United attacker has been an integral part of Ghana’s World Cup and AFCON trips in recent years as his goals, dedication, fighting spirit and commitment have propelled the team to greater heights.
On Wednesday, the veteran forward was not included in the squad as it was reported in the Ghanaian media of his exclusion earlier on Monday.
“I had a long talk with Andre and gave him the reason why he is not in the squad,” said Otto Addo.
“I talk to players directly, I don’t like to put information out about what we spoke about.
“This is the decision we took and it’s not like he necessarily agreed but I still have respect for him,” concluded Otto Addo.
The head coach revealed that Andre Ayew was not in support of his decision as he thinks he has what it takes to drive the country to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Otto Addo has made it clear that he is now counting on youngsters and for that matter, the old players must accept that their days are almost over.
At 34, it is very clear that the great Andre Ayew has a few years ahead of him. One can see that he has lost almost all that made him an untouchable in the national team.
It’s been an incredible 17 years since the son of the big boss, Abedi Pele, made his debut for Ghana under the leadership of French tactician Claude LeRoy in August 2007 in a friendly game against Senegal.
He has since represented Ghana in every senior tournament except AFCON 2013 when he was not included in Ghana’s squad by Akwasi Appiah due to a reported dispute between Andre Ayew and the Ghana Football Association.
It is very obvious that Ghana needs a new team and hence the old players need to be sacrificed. Andre Ayew’s consistency makes him a bonafide Ghanaian Football legend after making an unbelievable 120 appearances and scoring 24 goals for the senior national team.
Is it the end of the road for Andre Ayew’s career for the Black Stars or there’s still a way back for him? It all depends on how Otto Addo and his staff see things for the team.
At the moment, Ghana has so many talented players in his favourite right wing position. Leicester City’s youngster Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Athletic Bilbao’s Inaki Williams, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, Lyon’s Ernest Nuamah and LA Galaxy’s Joseph Paintsil are all in fine form and hence ahead of him on the right wing.
Whatever happens, Andre Dede Ayew remains a legend and will deserve a huge send-off party from Ghana.
