Sunderland signing
Asamoah Gyan was English Premier League side Sunderland’s record signing in 2010, costing them £13 million (Dh75m), but a year later he completed a shock loan move to Al Ain, which became a permanent deal the following season. He has since scored 84 goals in just 69 league games in the UAE.
Countering criticism
Gyan said his move has been a success. “I know a lot of people were unhappy with my decision to move to the UAE,” he told news outlets from Ghana. “A lot of people bashed me for the move, but I knew what I was doing. Yes, the league there is not as competitive as Europe, but people have gone there before me and have been unable to do what I am doing there. The awards I keep winning and the goals I keep scoring is there for anybody to see.”
Cupboard full
With Al Ain, Gyan has won two Arabian Gulf League titles, a President’s Cup and a Super Cup. He was the top scorer in the AGL for three consecutive seasons, amassed 12 goals in the 2014 Asian Champions League and was named Best Foreign Player in Asia.
Van Nistelrooy puzzled
During the World Cup, Gyan was criticised by former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. Now an analyst for ESPN, the Dutchman said: “Why is Gyan playing in the UAE? I don’t know what he is doing there. He should be playing with a top side in Europe. He had a tremendous game [during a 2-2 draw against Germany].”
Pioneer
“I appreciate a legend like Van Nistelrooy taking notice of me during a tournament,” Gyan told Ghana’s Allsports.com. “I remember when I moved to the Gulf, I said my main aim was to raise awareness of the league and this is what is happening. Other players have since joined me there. [Mirko] Vucinic moved from Juventus, Grafite also came in, all great players and it is making our league better and better.
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