Accra:Former Black Stars captain Andre Ayew has expressed concerns over how football authorities sometimes sideline experienced players who have gained influence in the dressing room, arguing that national team legends should not need to demand recognition for their service.
According to Ghana Web, Ayew made these remarks during an appearance on the Obi One Podcast, hosted by former Nigeria international John Obi Mikel. He reflected on the treatment of veteran players after years of commitment to their national teams.
Ayew, who led Ghana for several years, was dropped by former Black Stars coach Otto Addo in May 2024 and has not returned to the national team since. He suggested that influential players within a team can become uncomfortable for those in authority, resulting in efforts to marginalize them.
He used the example of Mikel Obi, who spent many years at Chelsea, to illustrate how senior figures can become influential voices in the dressing room without necessarily playing every match. Ayew emphasized that such influence can lead to tension, especially when experienced players interact with football administrators.
Ayew further insisted that players who have served their countries deserve recognition without having to campaign for it. His comments come over two years since his exclusion from the Black Stars, with the former captain still active in his professional career.