Ayew’s story has gone full circle, having begun his footballing career in France.
He joined Marseille as a budding talent, entering the youth academy for the 2006-07 season.
Ayew, known as ‘Dede’, broke into the first team the following season, marking the start of a near decade-long spell with the senior squad.
He made 209 appearances, scoring 60 goals and recording 25 assists while also winning two French league cups and the French super cup three times.
It was here where Ayew had the chance to play alongside his brother, Jordan, who was with Marseille from 2009 to 2014.
After departing in 2015, Andre Ayew played for Swansea City, West Ham United and Nottingham Forest, Turkish giants Fenerbahce and Qatari side Al Sadd, and is now in back in France with Le Havre.
His ability to adapt physically and mentally has kept him competitive in a league where younger players tend to dominate.
Ligue 1’s tagline – ‘League of Talents’ – is seen by some as a corporate attempt to lean into the conveyor belt of youthful talent coming out of the French top flight.
Ayew was, himself, a fruit of this tree, making his debut for Marseille at just 17.
His vast experience is now one of his greatest strengths.
“How long do you want to stay in the game? That’s the question you need to answer for yourself,” he explained.
“Good players around you help, and as time goes on, you get smarter. You find spaces where, maybe in the past, you wouldn’t because you can smell it.”
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