Black Stars legend Asamoah Gyan says he will not play Asante Kotoko for free although he loves the club and dreams of wearing the Porcupine Warriors' jersey before calling time on his playing career.

Gyan, 34, is without a club since January this year and has been heavily linked to the Porcupine Warriors ahead of the start of the 2020-2021 season in November.

Kotoko is also interested in the experienced striker.

"I have already said that Kotoko is a club I want to play for before I retire but we have to go through the necessary processes because I am still a professional footballer," Gyan said on Adom TV’s Agro Ne Fom.

"The Ghana Premier League is not perceived by many to be a professional league but it is actually a professional league.

"Kotoko has to do things professionally. It is my childhood club but things have to be done well first [before I join]. When they are ready, then we will complete the processes."

"I spoke briefly to Nana Yaw Amponsah, the new CEO of the club about a potential move. He knows what should be done and if they are ready, I'll be available to play. The deal has to suit the club, me as the player and the fans as well."

People are getting the impression that because I love Kotoko I will play for free. No, I will not play for free," Gyan added.

Gyan played for Liberty Professionals before first travelling abroad to join Italian fold Udinese in 2003.

He has gone on to represent Sunderland in England, Italian side Modena, Rennes in France, Al Ain and Al Ahli Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Shanghai SIPG in China and Turkish outfit Kayserispor.

The forward presently stands as Ghana's most-capped player and all-time top scorer, having racked up 51 goals in 109 outings for the Black Stars.