By OkayGoal 
Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew says his longevity in the national team is due to his performances and not favouritism due to his father, Abedi Pele.
Jordan has been one of the key players for the senior national team since making his debut in September 2010.
However, the former Leicester City forward has faced criticism from Ghanaian fans for his performances.
Speaking in an interview with the GFA Media, the 34-year-old says he always strives to be the best version of himself.
“When people say that [my father is the reason I’m there], it makes me laugh because for me it’s even harder,” Ayew said.
“You always have that perception that it’s because of his father, because of his uncle…At the end of the day, you can say all that, but football doesn’t lie on the grass.
“We are allowed to criticise, but at the end of the day you need to keep your head straight and do what you do best and have self belief beacuse it’s not easy.
“You just need to know how to deal with those moments and to have thick skin because football is not easy,” he added.
Ghana, set to make their fifth World Cup appearance, have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia.
The Black Stars have already arrived in the United States to step up their preparations and will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field, before facing England at Gillette Stadium on June 23 and wrapping up the group stage against Croatia on June 27.
They will complete their build-up with a final warm-up fixture against Jamaica on June 10.