SPORTS: Bilbao’s Iñaki Williams switches from Spain to Ghana
The striker made the announcement via his social media channels
on Tuesday where he said his decision to play for Ghana was to give back.
The 28-year-old was born in Bilbao, Spain to Ghanaian immigrant
parents who crossed the Sahara desert on foot in search of greener pastures in
Europe.
Despite Bilbao only recruiting players born in the Basque
Country or who learned their football skills at a Basque club, Williams became
the second black footballer to play for Los Leones in its 124-year history.
In the video shared on his social media pages, Williams said it
was time for him to discover his origins with Africa and Ghana and is ready to
defend the colours of the Black Stars.
He said, “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.
“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 had been called up to the Spanish national squad under
Vicente del Bosque and played a friendly match against Bosnia with the team.
His switch to the Black Stars gives Ghana a boost ahead of their
Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Williams’ younger brother Nico, who also plays in Bilbao and the
Spanish U-21 team, is yet to disclose if he would follow his brother’s path by
switching to play for his country of origin.
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