GFA disappointed by Inaki Williams retirement despite modest Black Stars goalscoring record

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) says it would have preferred Inaki Williams to continue with the Black Stars despite the striker's modest goalscoring record before his retirement from international football.

The 31-year-old Athletic Club captain announced last week that he was ending his four-year spell with Ghana to focus on his club career, bringing to a close a journey that began after switching his international allegiance from Spain ahead of the 2022 World Cup.

Williams made 28 appearances for the four-time African champions, scoring two goals while representing Ghana at two World Cups and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum said the decision came only after Williams had spoken to head coach Carlos Queiroz and GFA president Kurt Okraku.

"Inaki Williams spoke to the coach and the GFA president to explain his decision to retire from national team duties. His reason was to concentrate on club duties," Asante Twum told Asempa FM. "He has been with the national team for four years now, and he has not shown any signs of being unhappy."

Although Williams' goal return fell short of expectations, Asante Twum insisted the forward remained a valued member of the squad. "I admit that his numbers have not been good for the Black Stars, but we would have loved to keep him in the Black Stars," he said.

"Knowing who Kurt Okraku is, if he was not convinced, there was no way he would have allowed Inaki Williams to announce his retirement. "He has decided to retire from the national team, and we must accept it."Williams' retirement comes as Ghana prepare to launch their campaign to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after missing out on the 2025 tournament in Morocco.

The Black Stars begin their qualifying campaign away to Ivory Coast at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on 24 September before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.