Athletic Bilbao captain Inaki Williams says Ghana has given him “much more than football” as he reflects on his decision to retire from international football.
The 32-year-old forward completed his international switch from Spain to Ghana in 2022 and went on to make 28 appearances for the Black Stars, scoring two goals.
Williams made his Ghana debut in June 2022 after becoming eligible to represent the country of his parents at senior level.
He was subsequently named in Ghana’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he featured for the Black Stars.
The Athletic Bilbao star also represented Ghana at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire before earning another call-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, after four years of international football, Williams announced his retirement from the Black Stars on Friday morning.
Reflecting on his journey with Ghana, the experienced forward expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with his roots and represent his country on the international stage.
“Ghana has given me much more than football. It has allowed me to come back home, feel even closer to my roots and experience the enormous pride of representing my country and wearing this flag on my chest,” Williams wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Williams' decision brings an emotional end to his Black Stars career, which saw him represent Ghana at two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and two FIFA World Cups.
Although his international journey has come to an end, Williams remains a key figure at Athletic Bilbao, where he will now focus entirely on his club career.
His retirement closes a significant chapter in his football journey, but his contribution to the Black Stars and his strong connection with Ghana will remain an important part of his legacy.
