Ayew hits out at African slur
ANDRE AYEW has hit back at comments made by the disgraced former West Ham head of recruitment Tony Henry.
Henry was sacked by the Hammers after a leaked emailed revealed he had told agents the Premier League club “don’t want any more Africans” because they “caused mayhem”.
Ayew, who left West Ham to return to Swansea in an £18million move on deadline day, says Henry’s insinuation that African players lack commitment is wide of the mark. “African players are like any human being in the world, everyone is different,” said the Ghana international.
“Maybe an African player can be difficult but maybe a French or English player can be difficult too. Maybe an African player can be calm, so it’s not possible to say they are the same. Everyone has their character, their philosophy, and the way they were brought up.
“I know we African players are proud of ourselves, we know where we have come from and we believe in our football. You can see African players have played at the greatest clubs in the world and done their jobs.
“We have players who have played at the top level – Didier Drogba for example – and great players who have played for top teams. African players have done a lot to get into professional football and now play for Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea.”
Asked about his time at West Ham, Ayew added: “I didn’t pay attention to players coming in or out. There were a few African players there and I know them very well.
“For me, it’s an honour to be an African. I am so proud and so happy and I wouldn’t change it for anything.
“I haven’t spoken to anyone at West Ham, but it’s our job as footballers to play.
“West Ham have taken a decision and I know the African players are going to fight for their club. I know them really well and I know they are going to stick to their team and help them.”