The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has said that Inaki Williams sometimes played for the Black Stars while in pain before his retirement from international football.

According to him, the Football Association was disappointed by the decision of the Athletic Bilbao attacker, as they did not expect him to make such a move at this stage of his career.

Kurt Okraku indicated that after speaking with the attacker about his decision, he understood his situation, as Williams had been playing for the national team through pain and some injuries he sustained in the course of his career.

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Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, Kurt Okraku noted that the nation appreciates Williams’ efforts and dedication to the national team during this period.

“I was disturbed by his decision. The entire Football Association was disappointed, but when you hear him out, you understand his situation. He has been playing through a lot of pain and injuries. We have to appreciate what he has done for Ghana,” he said.

Williams was expected to replicate his explosiveness at club level for the national team, but that did not materialise, as he managed just two goals in 28 matches for the Black Stars.

The Athletic Bilbao captain switched his international allegiance from Spain to Ghana in 2022 and went on to make 28 appearances, scoring twice.

He made his Ghana debut in June 2022 after completing the nationality switch, becoming eligible to represent the country of his parents. Williams featured in Ghana’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire, and was also part of the team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

SB/JKB

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