Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice President George Afriyie has backed Andre Ayew, insisting the 36-year-old still has plenty to offer on the pitch.

After departing French club Le Havre, Ayew spent the first half of the 2025/26 season without a team.

The former Black Stars captain, who last represented Ghana at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, has now signed with Dutch side NAC Breda for the remainder of the season.

In an interview with ESPN, Ayew dismissed retirement speculation, highlighting his enduring fitness.

“I never thought about it because my body is good. I feel good,” he said, emphasising his fitness after years of relentless play. “I’ve played a lot, a lot of years, and I’ve been fit for several years and been able to play games upon games upon games.”

“I prepare myself every time to have a better tomorrow on the field, off the field.

“When the moment comes, your body will tell you. That’s how I see it, and for now, my body is not responding negatively at all. So I need to continue working. The matches will get me fitter,” he added.

Responding to Ayew’s comments on Asempa FM, Afriyie said, “Andre Ayew is still playing, and for me, nobody can force him to retire.”

Since joining NAC Breda, Ayew has made six league appearances, starting in one match. He is expected to feature again when the club hosts FC Volendam at the Rat Verlegh Stadium on Saturday.