A statement from Iaki Williams to Ghanaians on the 2019 world cup
Iaki Williams claims that following a recent visit, he feels more Ghanaian since "my blood is here."
Iaki Williams said that after returning to Ghana for the first time in three years in June, he feels more Ghanaian.
Williams was one of the five dual citizens who the Ghana Football Association (GFA) certified were eligible for selection to the national squad.
Iaki is qualified to play for the West African nation because he was born in Spain to Ghanaian parents. He first appeared in Spain on May 29, 2016. However, the striker made no more competitive appearances for Spain, breaking his ties to the continent. As a result, he qualified for a change of nationality under FIFA regulations.
Despite the GFA's efforts, Williams told The Guardian in 2021 that he didn't feel Ghanaian enough to represent the Black Stars.
"I adore Ghana, the people, the food, and the traditions. I particularly enjoy visiting Accra, where my folks are from. I refused Ghana's arguments since I was born in Bilbao, Spain, not Ghana. Although I will never forget my family history, I feel Basque and am unable to deceive anyone. I'm sure I'd feel at home in Ghana, but I shouldn't be there.
But there are athletes for whom it would mean more, because I wasn't born or bred there, and my culture is here. Williams continued, "I don't think it would be ethical to replace someone who truly deserves to go and who feels Ghana 100%.
In an effort to "connect with their roots," Iaki and his younger brother Nico Williams spent their 2022 summer vacation in Ghana.
The 28-year-old changed his mind as a result and chose to represent Ghana. He acknowledged that he now feels more Ghanaian in an interview with TV3.
He admitted that he now feels Ghanaian in a recent interview with TV3.
"Yes, I was perplexed before coming to Ghana, but now that I've arrived, I've noticed all the people and all the things that I don't see in Spain. People's support and love for me, as well as their encouragement to play for the Black Stars, are very essential to me.
"Playing with Spain was lovely. Despite having spent my entire childhood in Spain, I never forget Ghana. Because my parents and I had ancestors in Ghana, this nation holds a particular place in my heart. Ghana is dear to me because I love this nation. I recognize my family and my people. I am a Ghanaian, as are my parents, he continued.
The new Ghanaian player responded, "I don't know," when asked what his secret was for maintaining his speed and endurance. I've been eating waakye and fufu. For us, my mother prepares meals. Nkatenkwan, a soup with fufu and palm nuts, speeds me up. I enjoy palm nut soup (nkatenkwan).
The striker will be available to play for the Black Stars during the September 2023 AFCON Qualifiers.
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