Athletic Bilbao captain Inaki Williams has officially announced his retirement from the Ghana national team, ending his four-year spell with the Black Stars.
The 32-year-old forward switched his international allegiance from Spain to Ghana in 2022 and made his senior debut for the Black Stars in June that year.
Williams went on to make 28 appearances for Ghana, scoring two goals.
He was part of Ghana’s squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and also featured at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
The Athletic Bilbao forward was also included in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Before choosing to represent Ghana, Williams had made one appearance for Spain at senior level but later completed the process to become eligible to play for the country of his parents.
In announcing his retirement, Williams said his time with the Black Stars gave him the opportunity to reconnect with his Ghanaian roots and experience the pride of representing the country.
He expressed gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout his international career and said Ghana would always remain an important part of his life.
“I feel the time has come to bring my journey with the Ghana national team to an end, said the Athletic Club captain.
“I leave happy, proud and with the peace of mind of knowing that I gave everything every time I wore this shirt.
“Ghana has given me much more than football. It has allowed me to come back home, feel even closer to my roots and experience the enormous pride of representing my country and wearing this flag on my chest.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has been part of this journey and for all the love you have always shown me.
“Ghana will always be a part of me. I will continue supporting the Black Stars as one of you, wherever I am.
“Medaase. Always Ghana.”His statement concluded.
Williams has now brought his Black Stars career to an end and is expected to concentrate fully on club football with Athletic Bilbao, where he remains an important figure.
