By Razeen Gutta
Ghana legend and one of African football’s biggest stars, Asamoah Gyan, has announced his retirement from professional football.
His two-decade career featured three Fifa World Cup and seven Africa Cup of Nations tournament appearances while playing for over ten clubs around the globe.
Gyan is the Black Stars’ all-time record goalscorer, netting 51 times in 109 appearances for Ghana.
His heroics and then spot kick slip-up in South Africa 2010 will forever be written in African football folklore, as he ended his career with a total of six World Cup goals.
The former striker was emotional as he broke the news alongside former Chelsea and Ivory Coast star Didier Drogba in Accra this week.
“It’s been echoing in my mind for the last year and a half. Sometimes people would ask me, ‘Have you retired?’ I still think I have something to offer but I have been contemplating it and I want to use this platform to tell everybody that it’s time,” he said.
Gyan then wrote a heartfelt social media statement to let fans know his future plans.
“It is time to hang the jersey and boots in glory as I retire officially from active football,” he wrote.
“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.”
“You do not leave your love. Together with my management, we will continue encouraging and pushing young talents. I will put my experience and knowledge to use in the field of coaching, football business and scouting.”
Pictured above: Asamoah Gyan
Image source: @transfermarkt
