André Ayew, the Ghanaian talisman currently gracing the ranks of Le Havre AC, delved into intriguing facets of his footballing journey, shedding light on a surprising episode involving the legendary Xavi Hernandez.
Thirteen years since departing Olympique de Marseille, Ayew returned to Ligue 1 last summer with Le Havre AC, prompting retrospection on pivotal moments in his career.
The interview unfolded revelations surrounding his move to Al-Sadd, where the illustrious Xavi Hernandez played a decisive role.
During the candid discussion, Ayew unveiled details of a crucial conversation with Xavi, a moment etched in the player’s memory.
The Ghanaian maestro had just concluded two prolific seasons with Swansea in the Championship, claiming the top scorer accolade for consecutive campaigns with 15 and 16 goals, respectively.
Reflecting on the crossroads in his career, Ayew disclosed, “I am free after two seasons where I finished top scorer for Swansea in the Championship, we are negotiating with two Premier League clubs
. But Xavi is calling me.” This revelation highlighted the influential role played by the Spanish football icon in Ayew’s decision-making process.
Ayew recounted Xavi’s persuasive pitch, saying, “I watched how Al-Sadd played, it was Barça second, and he said to me: ‘I need you. You won’t regret it, and your father started there.'”
The enticing prospect of joining a team that mirrored Barcelona’s style under Xavi’s leadership became a pivotal factor in Ayew’s eventual move to Al-Sadd.
The unexpected disclosure by André Ayew provides football enthusiasts with a captivating glimpse into the intricate negotiations and personal connections that shape the trajectory of players’ careers, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the beautiful game.