Give willing players a chance to play for the Black Stars regardless of where they were born – John Paintsil

Former Ghana international, John Paintsil has urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to pursue players born abroad but of Ghanaian descent and willing to play for the Black Stars.

Speaking to Class Sports in an interview, the retired footballer argued that where players are born should not matter. He said once they have Ghanaian roots, possess quality and are willing to play for the national team they should be given a chance.

“Since they are Ghanaians I wouldn’t say they are foreigners. They are one of us although they were born there. That doesn’t mean they are far from us. They deserve to play for Ghana if only their performance is okay and their current form is good to help the team going forward.

“If they were born in Europe and they are fit to play for Ghana and they fit to the coach’s system why not? They deserve to be part of the squad,” John Paintsil said.

Ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, some Ghanaian players born abroad are being pursued by the GFA to agree to play for the Black Stars.

The likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi, Tariq Lamptey, Inaki Williams, and Eddie Nketia could all be part of Ghana’s squad for the mundial should talks end successful.