Former Ghanaian midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has urged Ghanaians to desist from pressuring Andre Dede Ayew to retire from the Black Stars.
According to him, as long as the Le Havre forward plays consistently for his club side and performs well, he can continue to make himself available for selection.
The former Udinese midfielder also indicated that the decision lies in the hands of Black Stars coach Otto Addo to select Dede Ayew if he fits his plans to add value to the team.
Speaking in an interview with Sporty FM, Agyemang-Badu said that with Dede Ayew’s long-standing service to the Black Stars, he should be allowed to decide his future instead of pressuring him to leave with bitterness.
“Andre knows his body more than I do. If he feels good, is performing well for his club, and the coach wants him, fine. The decision to continue or stop should be his. I just don’t want anyone to leave the national team with bitterness,” he stated.
In a recent interview with BBC Sport, Dede Ayew made it clear that he has no intention of retiring from the national team anytime soon, reaffirming his commitment.
Ayew debuted for the Black Stars in 2007 when the team played a friendly match against Senegal. Since then, he has been an integral part of the team, rising to become the captain until 2024.
The former Marseille player has made 120 appearances for the Black Stars and scored 24 goals.
It remains to be seen whether Otto Addo will name him as part of the Black Stars squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar in March 2025.
Meanwhile watch as Ghanaians debate the appointment of Jordan Ayew as Black Stars captain below
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