Denis Odoi switched to represent Ghana in March 2022, and debuted in a 0-0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification tie with Nigeria on 25 March 2022.
The former Fulham defender has revealed why he likes Ghana. He also talked about his journey to discover the Ghanaian part of him.
In light of his exploits for the Black Stars, the versatile Club Brugge player made an attempt to embrace and adopt Ghanaian culture.
“Obviously, Ghana is a part of me. I have a difficult relationship with my father, he is the part that is Ghanaian for me. So, this is an ideal opportunity to find out what Ghana is: the part of me that is Ghanaian and see where certain things come from, I guess," he said.
“Everybody here is just more straightforward and will tell you as it is. But also, it’s like a feeling of togetherness, everybody is open, welcoming to one another. Everybody wants to help you,”
Odoi, who is married to a psychologist, Katleen Thijs, thinks his allegiance to the Black Stars is a huge step towards self-discovery and he speaks to his children about Ghana.
“I think everybody has to take his time, when he’s ready, I guess. For some, it’s maybe easier. I come from divorced parents, something that happened when I was 12, so then, it makes it a bit harder,"
“Also, I have a family of my own. For my kids, to also tell them what part of my race that is. I look different from white people. I also have to tell them what that part is. For me, I can now show them what that part is. They look and they’ve watched the videos I’ve made here, and I guess… super excited,”
“I think for everybody who has roots here, take your time and discover it when you’re ready,” he added.