Former Black Stars captain, Asamoah Gyan, reminisces about his illustrious football career, highlighting his time in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the pinnacle of his achievements.
Gyan’s journey to the UAE began in 2011 when he joined Al Ain on an initial loan deal from Sunderland, a move that raised eyebrows among football fans. Despite the initial skepticism, Gyan’s performance quickly silenced his critics, and the loan deal was soon made permanent after just one season. The then 38-year-old striker signed a lucrative five-year contract with Al Ain.
During his time with Al Ain, Gyan enjoyed a remarkable spell of success, scoring an impressive total of 95 goals in 83 appearances. His prolific goal-scoring exploits cemented his status as one of the most formidable strikers in the league and endeared him to fans across the UAE.
Reflecting on his time in the UAE during an interview on the Breakfast Show on GTV, Gyan fondly recalled it as the peak of his career. He emphasized, “My favourite country is quite interesting; it’s quite funny, but I always choose the UAE. I played my best football there. People thought my career was over when I went there.”
Despite facing doubts about his ability to perform at the highest level, Gyan thrived in the UAE, surpassing expectations and showcasing his exceptional talent on the pitch. He remarked, “But when I came to the national team, my international record was much better than it was in Europe.”
When asked about life in the UAE, Gyan revealed that his focus was solely on football. He described the supportive environment provided by the clubs, stating, “I was just there to play football. They did everything for me. They put you in a house, fully furnished, a nine-bedroom house; they will say go and play football; score for us.”
Gyan’s experience in the UAE was characterized by unparalleled support from his clubs, allowing him to solely concentrate on his performance on the field. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities afforded to him, acknowledging the role of the UAE in revitalizing his career.
In addition to his successful stint in the UAE, Gyan also enjoyed spells in France, Italy, England, Turkey, China, and India. His extensive experience across various footballing landscapes further solidifies his status as a legendary figure in the sport.
