Ghana international Andre Ayew has advised footballers to remain resilient and not be distracted by online abuse.
While acknowledging the importance of constructive criticism, the Black Stars captain believes that players should not entertain negativity that crosses the line into abuse.
Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, Andre Ayew stressed the need for mental strength, especially when faced with criticism during difficult moments.
“It’s all about you, focusing on your job and what you have to do. Everything has a good and bad side, so sometimes, try to understand where the criticism comes from – it can help you. We play football for the people, especially in our country and continent where we love the game so much. But today, if somebody is frustrated, they can just write anything online. That’s where we need to be strong and not pay attention to that sort of thing,” he said.
Ayew further advised players to filter out unnecessary negativity and focus on valuable input from their coaches and support staff.
“You want to make the people happy, but when it’s just nonsense talk, push it away. With my experience, I just feel that you need to stay focused, listen to what the coaches, analysts, and staff have to tell you. That’s where the real information comes from,” he added.
With a career spanning nearly three decades, Andre Ayew continues to make an impact, currently playing for Le Havre in the French Ligue 1.
He is likely to make the Ghana squad that will be assemble for the games against Chad and Madagascar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
