Inaki Williams was ‘weeping in his heart’ with Black Stars – Kwabena Yeboah

Veteran sports journalist Kwabena Yeboah has revealed that retired Black Stars forward Inaki Williams was deeply unhappy during his four-year spell with Ghana’s senior national team.

Yeboah, who had close links with the Black Stars, says he noticed a disconnect between Williams and his teammates, particularly during matches where the striker struggled to receive the service needed to make an impact.

According to the legendary journalist, Williams often made runs in anticipation of decisive passes that failed to arrive, leaving him frustrated with the way the team played around him.

Yeboah, however, stressed that the lack of service was not necessarily a deliberate attempt by Williams’ teammates to deny him opportunities.

He said Williams was naturally reserved and rarely expressed his frustrations publicly, but privately complained about the situation.

“What has been obvious over the four-year period that Inaki Williams served the national team is that there was a disconnect. Disconnect in the sense that we never played to his strengths. There were several times he would take off waiting for that one clinical pass that never arrived. But he was a very, very quiet person.

“Quiet in the sense that he did not complain openly. But as someone closely associated with the national team, I saw him shed tears many times, complain bitterly, but the tears did not roll down his cheeks. He wept in his heart and complained quietly, and somehow, I believe that he was extremely unhappy. So probably, it’s not very surprising that after four years of that disconnect, he has finally decided to call time on his international football,” Yeboah said in a video shared by GTV Sports+ on X.

‘We may not remember Inaki for goals’

Williams announced his retirement from international football after making 28 appearances for Ghana and scoring just twice.

His international career included participation at major tournaments, but he struggled to establish himself as a consistent source of goals for the Black Stars.

For Yeboah, however, the forward’s contribution to Ghana should not be judged solely by his statistics.

The veteran journalist believes Williams deserves recognition for his attitude, professionalism and commitment whenever he reported for national duty.

“We may not remember Inaki Williams for goals because out of 28 games, he scored only two. So, we definitely would not remember him for the goals, but I would always remember him for the commitment, the dedication, and the passion he offered the national team anytime he donned the national colors,” he added.

Williams’ decision brings an end to a national team career that began amid considerable expectations following his decision to represent Ghana.

Despite his limited goal return, Yeboah believes the circumstances surrounding his international career provide important context to his decision to walk away from the Black Stars.