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Athletic Club captain Inaki Williams has announced his retirement from international football after a four-year spell with Ghana. The 32-year-old forward has brought the curtain down on his journey with the Black Stars after helping the nation reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 2010.

Williams brings Ghana career to a close

Athletic captain Williams has formally confirmed his retirement from international football following four years with Ghana. The 32-year-old attacker made his decision public on social media on Friday.

Williams played his final match for the Black Stars in their 1-0 loss to Colombia at the World Cup in July. That defeat knocked Ghana out of the competition in the round of 32.

His exit brings to an end a memorable period with the national side. He departs having left a proud legacy after opting to represent his family’s heritage on the international stage.

Forward reflects on emotional Black Stars journey

After making his decision, Williams released an emotional message explaining what playing for Ghana meant to him on a personal level. The forward spoke about the strong bond he built with the country during his international career.

"I feel the time has come to bring my journey with the Ghana national team to an end," he wrote. "I leave happy, proud and with the peace of mind of knowing that I gave everything every time I wore this shirt."

"Ghana has given me much more than football. It has allowed me to come back home, feel even closer to my roots and experience the enormous pride of representing my country and wearing this flag on my chest."

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has been part of this journey and for all the love you have always shown me. Ghana will always be a part of me. I will continue supporting the Black Star as one of you, wherever I am."

From Spain debut to World Cup success

Born in Bilbao to Ghanaian parents, Williams first played for Spain and made one appearance in a friendly against Bosnia six years before changing his international allegiance. He officially switched to represent Ghana in 2022.

The forward went on to win 28 caps for the Black Stars and scored two goals during his four-year stint. His contribution helped Ghana reach the World Cup knockout stage this year for the first time since 2010.

While Inaki chose to represent Ghana, his younger brother Nico Williams found international success on a different route. Nico was part of the Spain team that won this year’s World Cup.

Athletic captain shifts focus to club football

With his international career now officially over, Williams will now devote his complete attention to his responsibilities with Athletic. As club captain, the forward continues to be a key figure for the Spanish side.

Stepping away from national team duty will allow the 32-year-old to focus fully on his club commitments. He leaves international football having achieved his ambition of representing his ancestral homeland.