Former Black Stars skipper Stephen Appiah has strongly opposed Dede Ayew's exclusion from the Black Stars. Appiah has seen it all when old players
Former Black Stars skipper Stephen Appiah has strongly opposed Dede Ayew’s exclusion from the Black Stars.
Appiah has seen it all when old players are on the verge of kissing the national team goodbye. He was limited to just substitute appearances at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Sharing his thoughts on Dede Ayew’s absence in the Black Stars team to face Mali, the former Juventus and Hearts of Oak midfielder urged Otto Addo to not completely exclude Andre Ayew.
“In my experience watching the AFCON, for instance, Max Gradel, 37, was part of the Ivory Coast team. He played and made a difference. At times, when we talk about the future, we have to know the kind of player we are dealing with. If somebody is 38–40 and still delivering, why not? Ryan Giggs was 41 but played better than those in their 25s,” Stephen Appiah told 3Sports.
Stephen Appiah believes Andre Ayew’s 34 years is just a number and thinks he still has a lot to offer.
“From what I have seen, I think he has proven himself. I mean, the Dede we saw in 2010 is not the same [Andre], but I think his recent exploits, especially with his club, are noteworthy”.
Ayew scored five league goals in 19 appearances for Le Havre last season in the French Ligue Un.
“We shouldn’t look at a Dede who is coming to play 90 minutes or 45. He can be around the team. I think he still has a part to play in the team, even if it’s not on the pitch, off the pitch,” he added.
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