West Ham have faced plenty of scrutiny over the course of the past few years following their move to the London Stadium but that increased tenfold after recent comments from one club official.
The club’s former Head of Recruitment Tony Henry was sacked following leaked emails were he told agents the Hammers ‘didn’t want anymore African players’ as they ’caused mayhem’, leading to a backlash of criticism.
And now, former West Ham forward Andre Ayew, who returned to Swansea on Deadline Day in an £18m deal, has hit out at Tony Henry for his comments. Quoted by The Sun, the Ghanian international said:
“African players are like any human beings in the world, everyone is different. Maybe an African player can be difficult, but maybe a French or English player can be difficult too.”
“Maybe an African player can be calm, so it’s not possible to say they are the same. Everyone has their character, their philosophy, and the way they were brought up. All African players lead their lives differently and lead their lives in the way they think is best for them as an individual player.”
“I just know we African players are proud of ourselves, we know where we have come from and we believe in our football. You can see African players have played at the greatest clubs in the world and done their jobs.”
“We have players who have played at the top level — Didier Drogba, for example. And I just know we have great players who have played for top teams. I feel African players have done a lot to get into professional football and now play for Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea.”
Ayew is yet to represent Swansea following his transfer as he battles to return from injury.
