Audio By Carbonatix
Asamoah Gyan believes he can spark the Black Stars to glory as he returns for the first time to the Ghana side for a friendly against China on Wednesday
The Al-Ain striker in July called off his international break announced in February after suffering criticism for Ghana's Africa Cup of Nations semi-final exit.
But Gyan has been included by coach Kwesi Appiah in his 18-man squad for the friendly in Xi'an and the striker who finished as the top scorer in the UAE league says he happy to be back.
“It feels great (to be back). Seeing my colleagues around, it’s normal. I left them for six months and I am back with them,” Gyan said on Tuesday in Xi'an.
“I am really, really, happy to be back with the team.
“I didn’t watch most of the games but I heard the news. I am a Ghanaian and anytime Ghana is playing, I have to just follow. Now everything is alright and I am happy to be back with the team. I am also a Ghanaian and I am here to help the nation.”
Gyan had been the target of harsh criticism but appears to have put that behind him insisting that the game is a collective sport.
“I appreciate that (pressure). It’s a teamwork, I work for the team, I make sure I do my job. Football is played by 22 people and I have played for the Black Stars since 2003 and I have done my best for the team.
“I do appreciate what people are saying. It doesn’t put pressure on me. Talking about football, we got ups and downs. If you can go through all this things then you are ready to play at anytime, in front of the crowds and everybody,” the Al-Ain striker said.
On the friendly with the Chinese team coached by former Spain manager, José Antonio Camacho, Gyan says he is expecting a competitive game.
“(We hope to give them a) Good match. We are just here to give them a good game,” the Black Stars striker said.
“Definitely, people will be expecting us to win the game. I don’t know the Chinese team very well but they are also playing at home and they want to impress their fans. It will be very interesting but let’s see what they coach adapts. But hopefully we will give them a good match.”
Kick-off time: 11:35 GMT
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Berekuso chief appeals to Mahama over deplorable Katesi-Berekuso-Dome-Kwabenya road
7 minutes -
Freda Kingful Abraham Cudjoe: The visionary founder building a creative legacy through Impakers Creative Hub
11 minutes -
Tanker drivers suspend strike after BOST commits to fix Kumasi depot challenges
14 minutes -
Photos: Stonebwoy’s BHIM Festival at OVO Arena Wembley, London
22 minutes -
BoG identifies $4.8bn annual SME financing gap, pushes digital data-driven lending
36 minutes -
Labone bank robbery suspect remanded
40 minutes -
NTC launches 2026 Ghana Teacher Prize to celebrate outstanding educators
41 minutes -
Hanan Abdul-Hamid cannot be forced to face trial without lawyer — Dame
50 minutes -
MTTD to make Accra model city for safe riding – ACP Dr Samuel Sasu Mensah
50 minutes -
NPP Upper West eyes 2028 comeback; dismisses vote-buying allegations in regional executive elections
56 minutes -
Minaata Moomin defeats Nancy Dery in NPP Upper West Regional Women’s Organiser election
58 minutes -
Constituency Games will take Mahama’s ‘Reset Ghana sports agenda’ to every community – Samson Deen
58 minutes -
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov praises Kwame Nkrumah’s legacy during meeting with Ablakwa
59 minutes -
Bleoo 2G alumni hand over Beatrice Lokko Memorial Eco Park
1 hour -
‘I will not be available’ – Godfred Dame rejects vacation hearing in Hanan trial
1 hour