Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has officially announced his retirement from professional football, bringing an end to his illustrious 20-year career.
Gyan made his debut as a teenager back in 2003 and has now decided to hang up his boots in 2023, having amassed an impressive tally of over 250 goals throughout his career.
He made the announcement while speaking at The 30th Afreximbank Annual Meetings at the Accra International Conference Centre on Tuesday evening.
He said, “I want to take this great opportunity, a stage that is difficult in every footballer’s career, a moment all footballers do not wish, but when nature dawns, that thin voice will keep echoing into the ears… it is time… that voice has been clear in my ears, and I have succumbed to it, it is time. It is time to hand the jersey and boots in glory as I officially retire from active football.”
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“Will never leave my love “ ❤️⚽️ @ghanafaofficial @CAF_Online @FIFAWorldCup @FIFAcom @AnimSammy @PrinxRandy pic.twitter.com/IX05ZTywlw
— ASAMOAH GYAN (@ASAMOAH_GYAN3) June 20, 2023
The 37-year-old’s retirement brings to an end a remarkable journey that saw him become Ghana’s all-time leading scorer, with 51 goals in 109 appearances.
He played in three FIFA World Cup tournaments for Ghana, including a pivotal role in their historic run to the quarterfinals in the 2010 edition in South Africa. He scored six goals, the most by any African player.
Gyan also had a successful club career. He played for a number of clubs around the world, including Udinese in Italy, Rennes in France, Sunderland in the English Premier League, and Al-Ain in the United Arab Emirates, where he was a huge success and eventually became the club’s second all-time leading scorer with 128 goals.
Gyan last played for Legon Cities in the Ghana Premier League, having started at Liberty Professionals.