ASAMOAH GYAN has officially retired from football despite not playing in two years.
The Premier League cult hero made his announcement during a press conference in which he was joined by friends and dignitaries.
Asamoah Gyan has retired from football
He was a cult hero at Sunderland
He posted his announcement to social media
Gyan, 37, was a favourite during his time in England as he starred for Sunderland between 2010 and 2012.
He netted ten times in 34 Premier League appearances before leaving the Black Cats for United Arab Emirates side Al Ain FC.
A statement was posted on social media, 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.
“But then again, I am minded by views shared by great businessmen and sporting gurus, ‘you do not leave your love’, together with my management, we will continue encouraging and pushing young talents.”
During his statement, the former Sunderland star then hinted at his next move in life as he hope to use his knowledge of football in his next career step.
“I will put my experience and knowledge to use in the field of coaching, football business and scouting.
“I want to thank my beloved country Ghana, my family, my colleagues from school, those from colts and Blackstar from 2002 to date, club mates, coaches and everybody who has played a role in my career as a footballer, I say thank you.”
Gyan joined Sunderland from Ligue 1 side Rennes and after leaving the Stadium of Light played for multiple teams.
He stayed at Al-Ain until 2015 before moving to the Chinese club Shanghai SIPG before returning to the UAE on loan to Al-Alhi Dubai in 2016.
He missed a crucial penalty for Ghana in the 2010 World Cup
He then had a two-year spell with Turkish side Kayserispor before turning out for NorthEast United and then Legon Cities.
Gyan featured 109 times for Ghana and netted 51 international goals but famously missed a penalty kick in the 2010 World Cup quarter-final against Uruguay after Luis Suarez‘s infamous handball.
He had recently teased that he could have made a comeback for the national side at the 2022 World Cup, but it did not come to fruition.
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