Former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel has praised former Ghana captain Andre Ayew as a leading figure in the country’s football history.
Mikel made the comments after arriving at Accra International Airport ahead of a podcast appearance in Ghana. Ayew is expected to join him as a special guest on the programme.
The former Nigeria international said Ayew belonged in the same conversation as some of Ghana’s most celebrated players, including Michael Essien, Stephen Appiah and Asamoah Gyan.
“Oh, Andre Ayew is the guy, isn’t he? He’s the main man, isn’t he? You talk about the legends in Ghana football. You talk about Michael Essien, Stephen Appiah, Asamoah Gyan, the guys that I played against,” Mikel said.
Mikel and Ayew faced each other several times during their playing careers, and Mikel highlighted more than the Ghanaian’s ability on the pitch. He also praised Ayew’s character, describing him as both an outstanding player and a great human being.
The former Chelsea midfielder suggested Ayew could have an important role to play in the future of football in Ghana.
“I think if you talk about African football, I think he might be the guy that can bring some changes to Ghanaian football. So, I’m looking forward to it,” he added.
Mikel’s comments came as he prepared for his podcast appearance in Ghana, with Ayew set to be the special guest. The meeting will bring together two former internationals who competed against one another during their careers and who remain prominent figures in African football.
Mikel won the Premier League twice during his career before retiring from professional football in 2021. Ayew, meanwhile, remains without a club after becoming a free agent at the end of his spell with Dutch side NAC Breda.
The Ghana forward has therefore kept his playing future open, while Mikel has moved into life after professional football. Despite taking different paths since leaving the game, Mikel believes Ayew’s influence extends beyond his performances and leadership as a former Black Stars captain.
In placing Ayew alongside Essien, Appiah and Gyan, Mikel identified him as one of the key figures associated with Ghanaian football. He also indicated that Ayew could contribute to efforts to bring change to the sport in the country.
Mikel’s assessment was based on his experience of playing against Ayew as well as his view of the Ghanaian’s qualities on and off the pitch. He described Ayew as “the main man” while discussing the country’s football legends and expressed his anticipation ahead of their podcast conversation.
