Ghanaian forward Paul Ayongo has opened up about the emotional difficulty of leaving Portuguese football, where he spent a significant part of his professional career.
Ayongo recently joined Armenian Premier League side Ararat Armenia on a two-year deal after leaving Portuguese club GD Chaves, where he made 26 appearances across all competitions last season, contributing five goals.
The 28-year-old began his European journey in 2014, moving from Ghanaian outfit Charity Stars to Portugal. Since then, he has played for several Portuguese clubs and also had spells in Australia and Luxembourg.
Now, he’s ready for a new chapter in Armenia.
“I spent a lot of years playing in Portugal, so it was difficult to make the decision when Ararat brought the offer,” Ayongo told Footy-Africa in an exclusive interview. “The funny thing is, Ararat actually wanted to sign me two or three years ago, but I went to Australia instead. So when they came back this time, I said okay, I will go. I know they are making a lot of changes, and I want to be part of this new project.”
Ayongo also hinted that a return to Portugal could still be on the cards in the future.
“The decision wasn’t easy because I know the Portuguese league well,” he added. “But as footballers, this is our life — we seek new challenges. I’m happy to be going outside Portugal for the third time. Portugal is like my second country, and hopefully, I’ll return there one day.”
Currently valued at €300,000 on Transfermarkt, Ayongo is known for his versatility in attack — capable of playing as a striker, second striker, or left winger.
