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Inaki Williams Brilliantly Explains Why He Picked Spain National Allegiance Over Ghana

Inaki Williams Brilliantly Explains Why He Picked Spain National Allegiance Over Ghana

The Athletic Bilbao forward has played just one friendly for Spain but won't be changing national allegiance for Ghana any time soon.

Inaki Williams won't be joining the players who change national allegiance, with the Athletic Club forward explaining why he picked Spain over Ghana.

Williams, who recently broke the record for the most La Liga starts in-a-row, has one cap for Spain, which he earned in May 2016 ahead of that summer's Euros.

The appearance came as a substitute in a friendly, and he's probably quite far off getting a second cap, with Luis Enrique's side having reached the Nations League final this week.

Williams could switch his national allegiance, as many have in the past, due to his parents being from Ghana, and he would almost certainly get in the Black Stars' side. The 28-year-old has confirmed that he rejected Ghana's advances and explained why.

"I’m grateful to where I grew and became who I am. Ghana tried to convince me, but I was born in Spain, in Bilbao," the forward told the Guardian.

"I won’t ever forget my family roots, but I feel Basque and can’t con anyone. I would be comfortable with Ghana, I’m sure, but I shouldn’t be there.

Williams playing for Spain Under 21s. Image: PA Images
Williams playing for Spain Under 21s. Image: PA Images

"And my mum knows how people live football there: it’s quite something, and she’d be worried about me.

"When my mum’s angry, she swears at us in Ghanaian but we speak Spanish.

"When my parents came, it was English but we lost that. I could have a conversation in English but it’s not fluent now.

"When my grandparents call, I speak to them in Twi.

Williams in training for the national team ahead of his one cap in 2016. Image: PA Images
Williams in training for the national team ahead of his one cap in 2016. Image: PA Images

"I admire and love Ghana, the culture, food, tradition. My parents are from Accra and I really enjoy going. But I wasn’t born or raised there, my culture’s here, and there are players for whom it would mean more.

"I don’t think it would be right to take the place of someone who really deserves to go and who feels Ghana 100%"

England know all about players switching national allegiance, with the Three Lions having lost a few good youngsters in recent times.

Ghana could even get Callum Hudson-Odoi to join them, despite the Chelsea winger having played for Gareth Southgate's team in the past.

Portugal are the latest country to try and persuade a youngster to switch from England, as they want Fulham's Fabio Carvalho to represent the country of his birth.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: La Liga, Spain, Athletic Bilbao