Ghanaian defender Phil Ofosu-Ayeh has urged Ghanaian players of foreign descent to consider their feelings when deciding to play for the national team of their choice.
The 30-year-old was speaking on the back of recent news on some Ghanaian players of foreign descent being chased by the Ghana FA to switch nationality ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
Reports suggest that Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi, Brighton defender Tariq Lamptey and Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah are set to switch nationality to play for the Black Stars ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
Ofosu-Ayeh who switched nationality to play for the Black Stars in 2015 under head coach Kwesi Appiah has advised that the players should listen to their heart when making the decision.
“You just have to listen to your heart. There are many players who can choose between two countries or even three countries. This is something you should decide on what your heart is telling you", he told Happy FM.
The German-Ghanaian born defender also disclosed why he decided to play for Black Stars despite being eligible to play for Germany.
“I think when I see the culture in Germany and Ghana, football is so much for the people in Ghana. The excitement is crazy for the people in Ghana and I wanted to be a part of it.
“To make people happy. I choose Ghana and it’s so much more. When I had my first invitation in 2015 I felt that. We played Comoros Island at home, the stadium was full but I didn’t even play. I saw the faces of people. It was the best experience for me. I just hope to get back to the big stage. I will say it’s one of the best in my career. It is always an honor to represent your country. Not everybody gets that opportunity. I remember when we played against Canada in Washington it was an amazing feeling and I will keep that in my mind forever”.
Phil Ofosu-Ayeh made his debut for the Black Stars in an international friendly against Canada in Washington in 2015.
The former Wolves defender currently plays in the second-tier Division in Sweden for Halmstad.
By Herbert Boakye Yiadom