Jordan Ayew reveals rejecting France call

Published on: 25 August 2010

Olympique Marseille youngster Jordan Ayew has exclusively told Ghanasoccernet.com he turned down offers to play for France before being named in Ghana's squad for next month's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Jordan, the third son of African football legend Abedi Pele, has been touted for greatness since breaking into the Marseille first team at age 17.

France Football Federation officials have made several failed attempts to lure him play for Les Blues and his unequivocal decision to reject those calls clearly underlines his desire to play for the West African country.

"I spoke to the France football officials last month and they were ready to invite me but I refused and that decision was not because of my brothers-Andre and Rahim or my dad but it is because I'm a Ghanaian and my whole family is in Ghana and when I have holidays I come to Ghana so I'm a Ghanaian so I have to play for Ghana," The Marseille-born 18-year-old told Ghanasoccernet in an exclusive interview.

"I discussed this with my mum and dad about this and they liked it so I wasn't anything difficult to do."

He was due to play for Ghana's Under-20 team in the African qualifiers but his club refused his release.

"I must say that I was a bit shocked when my club told me about an invitation to play for the Black Stars because I was also thinking about playing for the Under-20 to qualify for the African Cup," he added.

"But I'm ready and prepared to play my part."

The 18-year-old will be chasing his first cap on 5 September at the Somhlolo Stadium in Swaziland.

He has been a bit-part player for the French champions this term, making a substitute appearances in the first three matches played so far.

Jordan scored one goal in four Ligue 1 appearances last term for Marseille.

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