Interview: Ghanaian PL stars Jordan Ayew and Abdul Fatawu

This week, Showmax brings you an exclusive interview with two Ghanaian footballers in the English top flight: Jordan Ayew and Abdul Fatawu. Both players currently ply their trade for Leicester City Football Club in the Premier League, where they are looking to form a formidable Ghanaian partnership.

Ayew, a seasoned Premier League veteran, has been a consistent performer in the league, having played for a number of clubs including Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Swansea. Now at Leicester City, Ayew’s experience and skill have made him a valuable asset to the Foxes since signing in the summer.
Meanwhile, Fatawu, a rising star from Ghana, is eager to make his mark on the Premier League with the Foxes.

In our exclusive interviews, Ayew and Fatawu discuss their experiences at Leicester, the unique bond they share as fellow Ghanaians, and their aspirations for the upcoming season.

Interview with Leicester City’s Jordan Ayew and Abdul Fatawu

AF - Abdul Fatawu
JA - Jordan Ayew

How great is it to have a fellow Ghanaian, and not just any Ghanaian, one of the greatest the country has ever produced in Jordan Ayew, joining you at Leicester City now?

AF :It’s a good thing for me having someone like Jordan (Ayew) in the team. It has made it really easy for me to settle because he has the experience already, so he can guide me to achieve what I want to achieve.

Abdul is still a youngster. What is it like to have one of Ghana’s most talented youngsters welcome you at your new club, Leicester City?

JA: It’s really great, actually. I met Abdul for the first time at the national training camp with Ghana around six years ago. This just shows you that the boy has done a really good job and has worked hard to get to where he is today. All credit to him. I am now here at Leicester City to not only continue my football journey but to also make sure Abdul is in a good place, because I know it isn’t easy at all for young players. I was very lucky because I had my brother and a few other senior players that were always advising me. Now that I am here, and have been in the position to know how it is, I can guide him, but also be hard on him when I have to be. It’s all positive things for him.

When you aren’t working hard on the football pitch, have you had time to explore Leicester and take in the sights, Jordan?

JA: I haven’t, actually. I am still busy looking for my house, I haven’t gotten a house as yet, so I have been very busy sorting out a number of things. I haven’t settled properly as yet, and so I haven’t had time to spend with Abdul off the field. He has an apartment in Leicester, I let him do his thing. Once I am all settled I will have much more time on my hands and we can spend it together.

There are many Ghanaian players that are doing great things in the world of football. What does it mean to you personally to see Ghana's footballers flourishing so well in such big leagues around the world?

AF: It always feels amazing when you hear your fellow Ghanaian teammates doing well. It motivates you to try and do more and to push harder. I think it’s great to see Ghana players succeeding and gives you more energy to push yourself further.

Do you have any particular goals for this season?

JA: In the modern day game, at a club like Leicester City, you cannot have personal goals. There is a collective goal. The league is very hard, and the season is a long marathon, so what is important is that the team wins and the team moves forward. There are good vibes when the team wins and that’s what each player wants. Myself personally, I don’t have any individual goals. I just want to perform well. It’s been my goal since I made my debut in the Premier League years ago. I just want to enjoy myself on the pitch, and the rest is in God’s hands.

AF: I would love to get more game time in the Premier League to improve my confidence. Once that happens we can set different goals.

Jordan, you have been in the Premier League for some time now. Abdul, you are a future star. Are there any Ghanaian youngsters we should be looking out for?

JA: The future is looking bright for Ghanaian football. I think it’s really great for the country, and shows that our young players are doing really well. Our new generation is heading in the right direction and I could not be happier. Personally I cannot pinpoint which youngsters to look out for because there are so many players with so many good qualities, but the future is definitely bright for Ghana football. I tip Abdul (Fatawu) to be the next big thing in Ghana. I told him that a very long time ago. He just needs to keep his head down and work hard and we will see what happens.

How does that make you feel, Abdul? You have been endorsed by one of Ghana’s greatest footballers to be the next big thing. Does that push you to work even harder?

AF: If they have this kind of belief in me, it gives me more confidence to work hard and to not disappoint them. I will take all the advice I can from players like Jordan. It is always a good thing getting advice from players who have been through it all. I am ready to work hard and I am just looking forward to seeing what the future has in store for me.

We have looked at the future. Now let’s look at the past. Who in your opinion are the best Ghanaian players to have ever played in the Premier League?

JA: There are many, but I always go for Michael Essien because of what he achieved in the Premier League and the trophies he won with Chelsea.

AF: I will go for Essien as well, he was a phenomenal player.

Do you not consider yourself one of the greatest Ghanaian footballers, Jordan?

JA: Football is all about trophies, and I haven’t gotten any trophies yet in the Premier League. That being said, I am on my own journey and I am proud of my journey.

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