Jordan Ayew: I’ve been playing out of position but I always put Ghana first

Ghana striker Jordan Ayew has said he will always give his all for the Black Stars despite being forced to play out of position.

The 32-year-old has often been criticised for his performances in a Ghana shirt but has come up clutch in his country’s last two World Cup qualifying matches.

Ayew came off the bench to score the winner as Ghana beat Mali 1-2 in Bamako last Thursday and also netted a sensational hat-trick when the Black Stars won 4-3 over the Central African Republic (CAR) on Monday.

✅ 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 – We beat Central African Republic 4-3 in Matchday 4 of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Kumasi!

This win takes us to the top of the group with 9 points and gives us back-to-back victories in the qualifiers! 🤩#BlackStars | #FIFAWCQ | #GHACAR pic.twitter.com/9w7W1NmVGX

— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) June 10, 2024

Speaking in the aftermath of the game, which marked his 104th cap for Ghana, the Crystal Palace forward said his favourite position is as a number nine.

He was, however, quick to add that he will always be ready to make sacrifices and play anywhere without complaining.

“I’ve been playing out of position for quite some time in the national team and also at the club level. But I have always done my duty, put my country first, and never complained because I always give my all,” Ayew said.

Hat-trick ✅
100+ caps! ✅
Jordan Ayew ❤️#BlackStars | @jordan_ayew9 pic.twitter.com/1rdDTnO7EP

— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) June 11, 2024

“It’s difficult. It’s not something that I like to talk about, but obviously, my favourite position right from the academy, France, in the national team has always been as a number 9.

“But I understand because I have qualities that allow me to play in the pockets of spaces, and I don’t complain.”

👏🏾 Massive congratulations to Jordan Ayew on reaching an incredible milestone – 100 caps for Ghana! What an achievement! @jordan_ayew9 ❤️#BlackStars pic.twitter.com/BpyQxwQUmE

— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) June 11, 2024

Meanwhile, Ayew has now scored 28 goals for Ghana, making him the country’s sixth all-time top scorer behind Abdul Razak, Tony Yeboah, Abedi Ayew Pele, Kwasi Owusu, Edward Acquah and Asamoah Gyan.