Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki WIlliams is expected to be named in Ghana’s final squad for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations when head coach Chris Hughton announces on Monday.
In 2016, WIlliams made his debut for the Spain national team under former Real Madrid Manager Vicente del Bosque.
Julen Lopetegui came on and left the scene before Luis Enrique took over.
Williams could have been playing for Spain under current manager Luis de la Fuente. But in 2022, he committed his future to Ghana ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“Luis Enrique decided against me.” The Athletic forward said to Dario AS, the frustration he went through, and decided to open up on playing for Ghana.
“I didn’t count on the previous coach, although it’s true with del Bosque and Lopetegui, I’ve been in the shortlist, and I made my debut under del Bosque,”
“With Julen Lopetegui, I went to a couple of training camps before the European Championship and the World Cup, and I could see myself being in contention but after several years not being in the pre-lists.
“Yes, it is true that at times, my condition was not optimal to enter because there were teammates who were doing well, but on other occasions, I’ve been able to be there.” Inaki told Dario AS.
“In the end, the door opened for me to play for Ghana, and the travel with family changed my plans. The moment of my life and my career is in part, been in the national team, and been able to see my Ghanaian family more often. I’m proud of the decision I made, and playing at the World Cup will go down in my history.”
The Bilbao forward has been in top shape this season, scoring 8 times in 19 games as the Basque club sits 5th on the La Liga table.
