Retired Ghanaian Footballer, Nana Darteh Bediako, has shared his view on why some Ghanaian players born abroad tend to reject call-ups to the Black Stars when they are invited.
Nana Darteh, a former player of Asante Kotoko and German side Mainz 05 speaking in an interview on Happy FM’s Where Are They program, said most Ghanaian players born abroad lose interest in switching nationality due to the harsh criticisms and insults from the fans.
Darteh who currently lives in Germany, said Ghanaian players born abroad have the mentality of the whites and their decision to switch nationality is solely their responsibility.
When quizzed on whether he would allow his son to switch nationality and play for the Black Stars he said, “They are afraid of playing for the country because they think it will not end them well. Some of the things they hear about playing for the Black Stars discourages them. The insults, harsh criticisms and many others”, he told Ohene-Bampoe Brenya on Happy Sports on Happy 98.9FM.
“You cannot force them to make that decision on switching nationality. I would love to see my son play for the Black Stars. I am sure Abedi Pele is happy seeing his sons play for the Black Stars”
The former Mainz 05 player also advised Ghanaian players plying their trade in Europe to focus more on football and try to put racism issues behind them since it could affect their career.
The former Black Stars player also disclosed that his move to Europe, made Ghanaian forget about him due to the change of name as a result of his passport.