 |
| Andre Dede Ayew |
Veteran Ghanaian footballer André Dede Ayew has advised players to remain focused on their craft and not be swayed by online criticism, emphasizing the importance of filtering out negativity while drawing lessons from constructive feedback.
Speaking on the impact of social media on modern footballers, the Black Stars captain acknowledged both the good and bad sides of public scrutiny but urged players to concentrate on their game rather than getting distracted by online abuse.
"It's all about you, focusing on your job and what you have to do," Ayew stated. "Everything has a good and bad side, so sometimes, try to understand where the criticism comes from – it can help you."
He highlighted the deep passion for football in Ghana and across Africa, where fans are emotionally invested in the game. However, he cautioned against taking every online comment to heart, as frustration can sometimes lead people to post baseless or harmful opinions.
"We play football for the people, especially in our country and continent, where we love the game so much. But today, if somebody is frustrated, they can just write anything (online). That's where we need to be strong and not pay attention to that sort of thing."
With a career spanning top European leagues and multiple AFCON tournaments, Ayew emphasized the need for players to stay grounded and take guidance from their coaches and technical staff rather than social media chatter.
ALSO IN TECHNOLOGY;Oxford scientists achieve teleportation with quantum supercomputer
"You want to make the people happy, but when it's just nonsense talk, push it away. With my experience, I just feel that you need to stay focused and listen to what the coaches, the analysts and the staff have to tell you. That's where the real information comes from."
Ayew’s message comes at a time when many footballers face online abuse, often affecting their confidence and mental well-being. His words serve as a powerful reminder that true growth in the game comes from staying focused on the right sources of feedback while blocking out unnecessary distractions.
As he continues his illustrious career, Ayew remains a role model for young players, proving that resilience and dedication are key to thriving at the highest level.
