The Ghana Football Association (GFA) says it would have preferred Inaki Williams to remain with the Black Stars, despite acknowledging that the Athletic Club captain’s goalscoring record did not meet expectations.
The 31-year-old announced his retirement from international football after four years with Ghana, bringing an end to a spell that began after he switched allegiance from Spain ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Williams scored two goals in 28 appearances for the four-time African champions and represented Ghana at two World Cups and one Africa Cup of Nations.
GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum said the striker personally informed head coach Carlos Queiroz and GFA president Kurt Okraku of his decision before making it public.
Speaking to Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Asante Twum said Williams’ decision was driven by a desire to focus on his club career rather than dissatisfaction with the national team.
“Inaki Williams spoke to the coach and the GFA president to explain his decision to retire from national team duties,” Asante Twum said.
“His reason was to concentrate on club duties.”
He added that Williams had shown no indication of unhappiness during his time with the Black Stars.
“He has been with the national team for four years now, and he has not shown any signs of being unhappy. After speaking to the coach and the FA president, they all gave him the go-ahead.”
Asante Twum also suggested Okraku would not have approved the announcement unless he was convinced it was the right decision for the player.
“Knowing who Kurt Okraku is, if he was not convinced, there was no way he would have allowed Inaki Williams to announce his retirement.”
While admitting the forward’s return in front of goal fell short of expectations, the GFA spokesman said the association still valued his contribution to 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 has decided to retire from the national team, and we must accept it.”
The Black Stars will now regroup later this month as they begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Ghana open Group C with a trip to Bouaké to face Ivory Coast at the Stade de la Paix on 24 September before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.
The four-time continental champions are aiming to secure a return to the AFCON finals after missing out on qualification for the 2025 tournament in Morocco.
