adminGHANA legend Abedi Pele admits he is a proud man after his two sons Jordan and Andre Ayew made their Premier League debuts earlier this month, and has backed them both to succeed in the English top-flight. The three-time African player of the year watched Jordan Ayew make his Premier League bow for Aston Villa against Bournemouth before Andre Ayew scored for Swansea against Chelsea later on in the day.
“It was special to me and all Africans,” Abedi told BBC Sport.
“I had friends from all over the Continent calling so it was a big thing. It makes me feel very proud but at the same time you become tense hours before the games, you keep on praying that they don’t get injured, that they are outstanding and score.
“It is going to be a long season and these feelings will be there.”
Abedi has had a big hand in the careers of the pair and played a major role in their moves from France – where they were born and had spent their entire professional careers until now.
Jordan and Andre both played for Marseille before Jordan moved on to first Sochaux and later Lorient, where his form and goals earned him a move to Aston Villa. Andre evolved into one of Marseille’s most important players.
Former Ghana captain Abedi, who played for several clubs including Marseille, Lille and Lyon, feels French football gave them the best possible football education they could have wished for.
“The French and Spanish have the same formula for developing players which places a great deal of emphasis on the youth,” he said.
“I always thought it was advisable that they went there early and luckily because I played there they were born there.
“But at some point we had to move here. In that sense they have got a mixture of upbringing.
“They are tough to break down, they are very strong and know what to achieve which all makes them stand out.” – BBC Sport.
Online Reporter