Asamoah Gyan will go down in history as the player who put many smiles in the face of Ghanaian. The sensational midfielder will greatly be remembered for lifting Ghana top in the world football ranking.
The most notable incident was the 2010 World Cup when he helped Ghana reach the quarter-finals going down to Uruguay in penalties.
According to reports, Ghana’s all-time top-scorer has retired following a captaincy row involving Andrew Ayew.
On his part, Gyan, 33, has issued a statement claiming his decision is based on trying to prevent further upheaval ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt next month.
The Kayserispor striker has been on the periphery of the Black Stars squad over the past 12 months due to indifferent form and several injuries within his stay in the Turkish Super Lig.
He said: “I also wish to retire from the national team permanently not pretending my presence would not fuel the purported undermining the country as seen under my captaincy,” he said in an official statement.
“I would continue to serve the country Ghana in other endeavors as a businessman through various investments.”
His retirement announcement sparked several reactions from football fans with some lauding his move and others bashing him, terming the move as cowardly.
If Asamoah Gyan has decided to retire why not respect his decision and let him be. After all he has made history in both Ghana and Africa football. 51 goals for Ghana and 1st African player to score 6 goals (highest goals) in world cup in 3 consecutive world cups.
— FA ME KƆ CAPE (@k_buabin) May 21, 2019
Ghana Capt. Asamoah Gyan, or let's say Rtd. Ghana Int'l & Ex-Capt. Gyan shockingly reveals his retirement & decision not to play at the upcoming AFCON! Allegedly prophecy shows André Ayew lifting the Cup 😯 as Capt. hence the need for Gyan's retirement. #AFCON
Pic: @GettyImages pic.twitter.com/Dp4UZOqGff— ExeSight Sports (@ExesightSports) May 21, 2019
This story of Asamoah Gyan. What's the real story? I don't think you should just quit for losing the captaincy.
Vincent Kompany and Thiago Silva lost captaincy to Hazard and Neymar and they continued playing.— Eric Njiru (@EricNjiiru) May 21, 2019
The disrespect is too much we never appreciate what we have Asamoah Gyan is a legend and deserve some respect why make someone the captain whiles he is still in the team at least not all captain start games for their team this is total Disrespect from the coach K.Appiah
— frimpong benny (@frimpong30) May 21, 2019
Gyan played 106 matches for Ghana, scoring 51 goals. Most notable, featured at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups- scoring 6 goals at the global showpiece.