Retirement not on my mind — Dede Ayew
Black Stars legend, Andre Ayew, is enjoying his game again in the Dutch Eredivisie and has closed the door on talks of imminent retirement, saying he is not thinking about hanging up his boots yet, even at the twilight of his illustrious career.
After sitting out the early half of the season, following the expiry of his contract with Havre of France, Ayew joined Dutch top-flight side, NAC Breda, last month, reuniting with his former Black Stars teammates, Kamal Sowah and Denis Odoi.
Last Saturday, he made his second start for the relegation-threatened side as he helped the team to a 1-0 win over Volendam to ease their relegation pressure.
Last week, he told ESPN in an interview that he was in good physical condition and was not thinking about retirement, as he was enjoying the game and was looking forward to improving upon his form to help the club.
I never thought about it because my body is good. I feel good. I live my life day to day, so I prepare myself every time to have a better tomorrow on the field and off the field.
“I don’t think about that. When the moment comes, your body will tell you (to retire).”
Ayew has started two out of the seven games for Breda, helping the club to back-to-back victories for the first time in several months.
While he continues to make strides in club football at 36 years, the forward has not played for the Black Stars since returning from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire. He has undergone international isolation by Coach Otto Addo, who says he is building a team beyond the ageing captain, with the team's leadership handed over to his younger brother, Jordan.
Andre, who has made a record 120 senior appearances for Ghana, did not talk bout his international isolation.
However, there is a strong belief that he still has his eyes on returning to the national team for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, having led Ghana to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
He also featured for Ghana at the 2010 and 2014 tournaments in South Africa and Brazil, respectively.
