The English-born of Ghanaian descent says he is open to switch allegiance to feature for the Black Stars of Ghana.
Arsenal young striker Eddie Nketiah has disclosed that he is weighing up international interest to play for the West African nation at the senior level.
Nketiah is eligible to feature for the Black Stars of Ghana through his parents who are both Ghanaians.
Ghana’s qualification to the 2022 FIFA World Cup has become a major factor to convince players who were born in Europe such as Inaki Williams, Nico Williams and Callum Hudson-Odoi to switch allegiance to play for the four-time Africa Cup of Nations champions.
In an exclusive interview with The Beautiful Game Podcast, the 22-year-old revealed he is still open to play for Ghana.
“My parents are both Ghanaian. It’s a possibility. I am open to both – playing for Ghana or England. Being from Ghana, you are obviously happy they have qualified for the World Cup. I know players like Thomas [Partey] so I am happy for them.
My club situation is priority first. At the moment my full focus is on my club and making sure I sort out things for next season. Once that’s finished then I can sit down and have that discussion with my family. It’s open to both [countries] and I am not closing the door to anything,” he added.
When the striker was quizzed about whether Partey had been trying to convince him to play for Ghana, he replied: “He has to be fair.”
Nketiah’s contract with Arsenal expires this summer and a decision concerning which country he represents will be made after he sorts out his future with the Gunners.
It is believed that Chelsea FC star Callum Hudson-Odoi has also agreed to switch his allegiance to feature for the Black Stars at the World Cup after being snubbed by England coach Gareth Southgate since 2019.
Brighton and Hove Albion full-back Tariq Lamptey is another Ghanaian-born footballers who has been contacted to switch his nationality from England to Ghana.