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Span-based Ghanaian forward, Inaki Williams, has officially completed his nationality switch to play for the Black Stars of Ghana.
The Atletico Bilbao attacker’s announcement followed fruitful talks with officials of the Ghana Football Association when, he spent his off-season holidays in the country.
Williams, born in Spain to Ghanaian parents, reportedly turned down offers to play for Ghana when he was approached in 2021.
He 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.
However, after, rescinding his decision, the highly-rated player on his official Twitter account, Tuesday, July 5, 2022, said he’s now ready to “defend Ghana’s T-shirt.”
“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.
“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,” he said in a translated Spanish video.
According to the 27-year-old, Ghana played an instrumental role in his playing career, therefore, thought it wise to begin a new chapter with the team.
“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,” Inaki Williams stated.
🇬🇭🖤 @ghanafaofficial pic.twitter.com/t5cSzOcIfB
— IÑAKI WILLIAMS (@Williaaams45) July 5, 2022
This news beomes a huge boost for the Black Stars technical team ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) in tweet confirmed that Inaki Williams has agreed to play for the Black Stars.
“Its about time.. Welcome to the Black Stars, Iñaki Williams,” a post on the Black Stars page on Twitter said on Tuesday.
🇬🇭 | IT'S ABOUT TIME
– Welcome to the Black Stars, Iñaki Williams @Williaaams45 #BlackStars | #BringBackTheLove pic.twitter.com/hFoq9bBm1I
— Black Stars 🇬🇭 (@GhanaBlackstars) July 5, 2022
In a related development, Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu has also decided to play for the Black Stars, making himself available for future call-ups.
While on vacation in Ghana, Salisu, a close family member, and key Ghana Football Association (GFA) officials met, and the centre-back declared his intention to play for the senior national team.
It followed a meeting in held between himself and GFA president Kurt Okraku in the United Kingdom in May, 2022.
