Asamoah Gyan retires from football

Ghanaian football star Asamoah Gyan announced his retirement in a ceremony in Accra Ghana on Wednesday, June 21. He shared an emotional note.

“I want to thank my beloved country Ghana, my family, my colleagues from school…club mates, coaches and everybody who has played a role in my career as a footballer” an excerpt of Gyan’s letter read.

The Black Stars’ record goalscorer with 51 goals in 109 games for his country, said it was a difficult decision to take. “A stage that is difficult in every footballer’s career, a moment all footballers do not wish but when nature dawns that this voice will keep echoing into the ears.”

He indicated that “I will put my experience to use in the field of coaching, football business, and scouting.”

Asamoah Gyan ends a 20-year career as Africa’s top World Cup goalscorer with 6 goals; He scored in Ghana’s 2-0 win over the Czech Republic in a group game at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. During the 2010 tournament in South Africa, he scored thrice as the Black Stars reached the quarter-finals. He later scored two more goals at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The former captain played in seven Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, helping Ghana finish third in 2008 and as Runners-up in the 2010 and 2015 editions.

The striker had stints with Serie A’s Udinese, Sunderland in the English Premier League, and Rennes in the French Ligue 1.