Soccer News of Saturday, 23 January 2010

Source: GNA

I'm not under any form of pressure - Ayew

From: William Ezah, GNA Special Correspondent in Luanda, Angola, courtesy Ministry of Youth and Sports)

Luanda, Angola, Jan. 24, GNA - Andre "Dede" Ayew, son of Ghana's football legend in the Ghana Black Star squad, has denied being under any form of pressure to perform as many may seem to believe.

Speaking at a press conference last Thursday, Ayew said he had never wished to be like his father but rather be on his own as an individual, who is trying to make an impact in his chosen career.

"Being the son of a former soccer star does not make me one and I don't want to live in my father's glory.

"My father is different and I can never be like him. He is in a cl= ass of his own and I'm also trying to work in my own way. "I'm a professional and I follow the instructions of my coaches all the time to perform on the pitch," he stated.

According to Ayew, modern football is not about individuals but team work and every single player on the field is important "if you are to achieve team work".

Ayew said he is focused on his career as a player with a major aim of working hard all the time to gain the confidence of his coaches in order to have more playing time.

The former Black Satellite Captain said he had also tried to avoid pressure, hence always trying to stay away from the media in order to focus on his career.

Ayew, who scored Ghana's lone goal against Burkina Faso to qualify for the quarter finals of the competition, said he was looking

forward to more playing time in the national team.

"If I'm given the opportunity I will like to improve upon my performance because playing for the nation has always been my dream," Ayew stated.

He was confident the Stars would live up to expectation when they meet Angola on Sunday at the 11th November Sports Stadium in Southern part of Luanda.