Andre Ayew

Cooper | Motivated Andre Ayew making a difference

13th September
First team

Steve Cooper believes a highly-motivated Andre Ayew is going to be a major asset to Swansea City.

The Ghanaian forward committed his immediate future to the club just prior to the closure of a number of transfer windows in Europe and further afield at the start of September.

That came on the back of a fine start to the season in which Ayew has played his part since belatedly returning to action following his exertions at the African Cup of Nations in the summer.

He netted a brace in the Carabao Cup win over Northampton, and then set up goals from Bersant Celina and Sam Surridge in victory at QPR.

And head coach Cooper is delighted to be able to call on a player of Ayew’s calibre – with Premier League, Champions League and World Cup experience – and feels his drive to do well for Swansea is a major plus.

“Andre’s a high-profile player here in the Championship and he did have offers from other clubs. He could have gone,” said Cooper.

Andre Ayew

“But the most important thing to say is he wanted to stay because he believes in what we’re doing and he wants to be a part of it. My gut feeling was that that would be the case because I saw a motivated player every day and that has only increased since the decision has been made.

“My experience of Andre, as of all the players, has only been positive.

“He’s obviously a talented player, he is making a difference in games and performing well, but he’s also captain of his national team, he has experience and has been more than willing to share that and get the best out of others.

“I’ve enjoyed the conversations we have had. He understands the game and I look forward to working with him.

“The key to everything is motivation. If you are motivated you get the best out of himself.

“With him staying he’s obviously motivated to do well here and if he does that everyone will be a winner.”