Iñaki Williams, a standout for Athletic Bilbao, has declared that the Black Stars of Ghana will be his international football team.The striker announced his decision to play for Ghana on Tuesday via his social media accounts, saying it was part of his desire to give back. The 28-year-parents, old’s immigrants from Ghana, traveled across the Sahara desert on foot in search of better lands in Europe. They gave birth to him in Bilbao, Spain. Williams became the second black football player to play for Los Leones in the club’s 124-year existence, despite Bilbao only signing players who were either born in the Basque Country or who developed their football skills at a Basque club.
Williams stated in the video that he was prepared to defend the Black Stars’ colors and that it was time for him to learn more about his roots in Ghana and Africa. He said, “Every step we take forward has its meaning. An evolution. A glance into the future 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.” As a result, he believes the time is right for him to rediscover his roots,
He added that Ghana has influenced him and he would want to give back a small portion of everything it has provided to him. “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.” Vicente del Bosque had selected Williams for the Spanish national team, and he participated in a friendly match against Bosnia. Ghana gains momentum from its switch to the Black Stars as they prepare for its FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar in 2022.
Williams’ younger brother Nico, who plays for Bilbao and the Spanish U-21 squad, has not yet said if he would follow his brother’s example and switch to represent his own nation.
