Agyemang-Badu Wishes Andre Ayew Departing Black Stars Without Bitterness

Former Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has expressed his hope for a respectful and dignified exit for Black Stars captain, Andre Ayew, amid mounting speculation regarding his future with the national team. Ayew, who has been a stalwart for Ghana since 2007, has not been called up for national duty since March 2024, despite continuing to perform well at the club level with Le Havre in France’s Ligue 1. The 35-year-old forward has netted five goals this season, including four recently, but his national team future remains uncertain.

Reports indicate that Otto Addo, the Black Stars coach, is poised to announce a new captain, with many suggesting that Jordan Ayew, Andre’s brother, is the front-runner to take on the role. This has led to widespread speculation that Andre Ayew may be excluded from the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar, further intensifying the uncertainty surrounding his international career.

Agyemang-Badu, who himself enjoyed a successful international career with Ghana, was keen to underline that the decision about Ayew’s future in the national team should be entirely up to the player himself. Speaking on Sporty FM’s Drive Show, he emphasized the importance of allowing Ayew to make the final call about his future. “Andre knows his body better than anyone else. If he feels physically good, is performing well for his club, and the coach still values him, then that’s great. Ultimately, the decision to continue or retire should lie with him,” Agyemang-Badu said.

He added that he hoped the Black Stars captain’s potential departure from the team would be handled with respect and free of any bitterness. “I just don’t want anyone to leave the national team with negative feelings or bitterness. It should be a dignified exit,” Agyemang-Badu explained. His comments reflect a broader sentiment of gratitude and respect for Ayew’s long and successful tenure with the Black Stars, urging that his potential exit from the team be made on his terms.

Ayew has had a distinguished career with the Black Stars, earning more than 120 caps, making him the most capped player in the history of Ghana’s national team. Over the years, he has represented Ghana at several Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments and World Cups, establishing himself as one of the country’s football legends. His leadership as captain and his contributions on the pitch have been invaluable. However, as his international career progresses, it appears that the time for a new generation of players to take over may be arriving.

While Ayew’s legacy in Ghana football is secure, the uncertainty surrounding his future with the national team is a reminder of the changing dynamics in the squad. The possibility of a new captain emerging and the shifting roles within the team will require careful consideration. Agyemang-Badu’s words reflect a respectful acknowledgment of Ayew’s contributions, as well as an understanding that every player, no matter how legendary, must eventually step aside.

As the Black Stars move forward with preparations for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, it remains to be seen whether Andre Ayew will continue to play a role in the national team or if he will step away from international duty. Whatever his decision may be, Agyemang-Badu’s hope is that it comes without any bitterness, honoring the legacy Ayew has built over nearly two decades of service to Ghana football.