Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku has detailed the reasons behind Inaki Williams' decision to retire from international football. The Athletic Bilbao forward announced his retirement from the Black Stars earlier this month after a four-year spell.
Okraku admitted the news came as a blow to the federation. "I was disturbed by his decision," Okraku said. "The entire Football Association was disappointed, but when you hear him out, you understand his situation."
Managing pain and club duties
Williams, who switched allegiance from Spain in 2022, earned 28 caps and scored two goals. He featured at the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. GFA spokesperson Henry Asante Twum confirmed Williams had held direct talks with head coach Carlos Queiroz and Okraku before his announcement. "Inaki Williams spoke to the coach and the GFA president to explain his decision to retire from national team duties," Twum said. "His reason was to concentrate on club duties."
The 32-year-old had been managing recurring physical issues, often joining national team camps while carrying knocks. His final international appearance came during Ghana's recent World Cup campaign, where the team currently sits third in their group with four points from three matches. Their form has been mixed, with one win, two draws and two losses in their last five outings, including a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in July.
Looking ahead without Williams
Okraku's comments signal an official acceptance of the striker's choice, closing a chapter for a player who brought top-level experience to the attack. The national team's focus now shifts to upcoming challenges without him. Ghana begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign away to Ivory Coast on September 24, before hosting The Gambia in Accra three days later.
In the immediate term, the Black Stars prepare for a World Cup qualifier against Morocco on October 4. Fans can follow the team's preparations and view the full squad list as it is announced. The search for goals will continue, with the team having scored just twice in their current World Cup qualifying cycle. Supporters can also track the team's progress in the standings as the campaign develops.
Read the full report at ghanaweb.com
