André Ayew Credits Family, Mentors, and Coaches For His Success on and Off The Pitch

In interview with Ligue 1, Ghana's most capped football player, André Ayew, gave tribute to number of important individuals for helping to shape his prosperous career.

The Black Stars captain, who has played for Swansea City, Olympique Marseille and the Ghanaian national side, cited his father, the renowned Abedi Pele, as his greatest inspiration. Ayew described his father as his idol, who has been guiding force in his life and career.

"He's my idol, very influential in everything that I do," Ayew said. "He has always supported me, always advised me and made me dream big."

As the "queen of the Ayew family," Ayew also commended his mother for her vital role in managing family life and teaching ideals of education and well being. "These 2 (my parents) are on top of the list," he stated.

Ayew cited his family as well as the late Pape Diouf, the former president of Olympique Marseille, as mentor who helped him develop perspective outside of sports. Ayew recalled Diouf's counsel on success on and off the field, saying, "He made me understand what life is about and what football is about."

Thanks to his aunt Hala, who helped him adjust to life in France, Ayew also referred to her as his "second mother." She assisted him in settling in and saw his potential early on.

Finally, Ayew acknowledged the support of older players like John Mensah and John Paintsil, as well as coaches José Anigo and Didier Deschamps, who helped him develop both professionally and emotionally. "These people were there for me, and they helped shape who I'm today," he said.