Ghana international André Ayew has firmly shut down speculation about hanging up his boots, insisting he still has plenty to offer both club and country.
The 36-year-old forward, who now plies his trade with Dutch outfit NAC Breda, says retirement is not on his mind despite advancing age and growing debate about his future in the game.
After parting ways with French club Le Havre at the close of last season, Ayew quickly found a new home in the Netherlands. He joined NAC Breda on a short-term deal running until the end of the current campaign, arriving as a free agent in a move that marked a fresh chapter in his long and decorated career.
Although he has not featured for Ghana since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, the former Black Stars captain remains the nation’s most-capped player and continues to demonstrate a strong appetite for the game.
In an interview with ESPN, Ayew made it clear that stepping away from football is not something he is contemplating at this stage of his journey.
“I never thought about it (retirement) 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,” he said.
“I don’t think about that. When the moment comes, your body will tell you,” he added.
Since linking up with NAC Breda, Ayew has made six appearances in the Eredivisie, earning one start as he gradually builds match sharpness and adapts to the pace of Dutch football.
A winner of the FIFA U-20 World Cup earlier in his career, Ayew’s experience and leadership remain valuable assets.
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For now, the veteran attacker is focused on contributing on the pitch and letting his performances, not speculation, dictate when the final whistle of his playing days will sound.
