Even though things haven’t worked out, I don’t regret choosing Ghana over Spain, says Inaki Williams

Inaki Williams has acknowledged that his transition to playing for Ghana hasn’t unfolded as smoothly as he initially hoped, but he remains steadfast in his decision to represent the country of his parents’ heritage.

The Athletic Bilbao striker, born to Ghanaian parents who migrated to Europe, initially represented Spain at the youth level. However, in June 2022, the 29-year-old officially changed his nationality to Ghana and subsequently participated in the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with the Black Stars.

Despite his decision to switch allegiances, Williams’ time with the Ghanaian national team hasn’t yielded the desired results. With just one goal in 17 international appearances and consecutive group-stage exits in major tournaments, the forward’s international career has faced challenges.

Nevertheless, Williams maintains that he has no regrets about his choice to represent Ghana, emphasizing the significance of reconnecting with his roots and heritage. “I would never have imagined this. I had to make a decision, and I don’t regret being able to represent the country of my parents and my family, to return to my origins, and to reunite with my loved ones in Ghana,” Williams shared with Club del Deportista.

While acknowledging the difficulties faced on the field, Williams highlighted the personal and sporting growth he has experienced as a result of his decision. “It’s true that things didn’t go as planned, but both in terms of my career and personally, it has been beneficial. In fact, I believe I’m currently experiencing one of the best moments of my life thanks to this decision,” he added.

Despite his challenges with the national team, Williams has enjoyed success at the club level, demonstrating his scoring prowess with 11 goals and five assists this season for Athletic Bilbao.

In summary, while Inaki Williams’ transition to representing Ghana hasn’t been without its hurdles, he remains resolute in his decision, valuing the personal and cultural significance of reconnecting with his Ghanaian heritage.