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"When You Become Powerful in the Dressing Room, They Try to Sideline You" – Ayew Speaks, Reactions

According to a report by Joy Sports, Andre Ayew has spoken about the lack of proper farewells for former players in Ghana, suggesting that influential figures in the dressing room are often deliberately sidelined. Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, he said he saw it coming and that players should not have to ask for recognition.

His comments have sparked a lively debate on social media, with reactions falling into several distinct camps.

A section of fans questioned the premise of the farewell itself. Some pointed out that few, if any, Ghanaian players have ever retired from the Black Stars willingly, with many arguably nudged out by circumstances rather than leaving on their own terms. Others noted, with humour, that a farewell cannot logically be organised for a player who has not yet announced his retirement.

Another group read the remarks through a political lens, suggesting the outspoken stance could position Ayew for a future leadership role within football administration, possibly at the Ghana Football Association. A more sceptical strand of opinion wondered whether the call for proper send-offs was really about recognition or about financial rewards such as ex gratia payments.

Perhaps the most thoughtful reaction invoked a Twi proverb on selective outrage: when a road does not touch your house, you call it straight, but when it does, you say it was badly built. Commenters in this vein argued that Ayew's complaint carries a certain irony, pointing to past cases in which other celebrated players were seen to have been treated unfairly by the same system, with questions raised over how those situations were handled.

Overall, the reaction reveals a divided public. While many agree that Ghana must do better in honouring its football icons, others see Ayew's remarks as inconsistent, self-serving or poorly timed. The debate underscores a broader national conversation about legacy, fairness and respect for those who have worn the Black Stars jersey.