Don't stereotype African players, says Ayew

Former West Ham United forward Andre Ayew has disputed the controversial comments made by the club's ex-head of recruitment Tony Henry on African footballers.

Andre Ayew with Swansea. Source: Getty

Henry was sacked this month after newspaper revelations that he had told agents the Premier League club "don't want any more Africans" because they "cause mayhem".

Ghanaian Ayew was at West Ham when Henry made the remarks, shortly after linking up with his brother Jordan at Swansea. 

"African players are like any human beings in the world, everyone is different," Ayew said.

"Maybe an African player can be difficult, but maybe a French or English player can be difficult too. Maybe an African player can be calm, so it's not possible to say they are the same.

"Everyone has their character, their philosophy, and the way they were brought up."

Ayew, the son of three-times African Footballer Abedi "Pele" Ayew, said the one unifying quality for African players was the pride they feel at competing at the highest level.

"All African players lead their lives differently and lead their lives in the way they think is best for them as an individual player," he said.

"I just know we African players are proud of ourselves, we know where we have come from and we believe in our football.

"You can see African players have played at the greatest clubs in the world and done their jobs. We have players who have played at the top level — Didier Drogba, for example.

"For me, it’s an honour to be an African."

West ham sacked Henry after saying his comments were "unacceptable".

"West Ham United will not tolerate any type of discrimination," the club said in a statement.