Despite the striker's lackluster goal scoring record prior to his departure from international football, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) claims that it would have liked Inaki Williams to stay with the Black Stars.

In order to concentrate on his club career, the 31-year-old captain of Athletic Club declared last week that he was concluding his four-year tenure with Ghana. This marked the conclusion of a journey that started when he switched his international allegiance from Spain prior to the 2022 World Cup.

Williams represented Ghana at two World Cups and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, making 28 appearances for the four-time African champions and scored two goals.


Williams only made the decision after speaking with GFA president Kurt Okraku and head coach Carlos Queiroz, according to GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum. "Inaki Williams spoke to the coach and the GFA president to explain his decision to retire from national team duties." Asante Twum told Asempa FM, "He has been with the national team for four years now, and he has not shown any signs of being unhappy." He explained that his motivation was to focus on club commitments.

Williams' goal return did not live up to expectations, but Asante Twum maintained that the forward was still an important part of the team.


"I admit that his numbers have not been good for the Black Stars, but we would have loved to keep him in the Black Stars," he said.

"Knowing who Kurt Okraku is, if he was not convinced, there was no way he would have allowed Inaki Williams to announce his retirement.

"He has decided to retire from the national team, and we must accept it."

Williams' retirement comes as Ghana prepare to launch their campaign to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after missing out on the 2025 tournament in Morocco.