Football legend Asamoah Gyan has stated that people tried to take advantage of him financially in the course of his playing career.
He made this confession in an interview with Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand while discussing several topics reflecting various milestones in his career.
The former Black Stars player shared that he felt he let Africa down when he missed a last minute penalty that would have qualified Ghana to the semifinals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup that was held in South Africa.
He added that at the time he was the eighth highest paid player in the world following his lucrative move from Sunderland to Shanghai SIPG, people tried to take advantage of him stating,
“It was crazy; everybody be expecting something from you family, friends, wherever you go even people who don’t even know you.”
Asamoah Gyan of Ghana reacts as he misses a late penalty kick in extra time to win the match during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Quarter Final match between Uruguay and Ghana at the Soccer City stadium on July 2, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
“As soon as you pop up everybody wants you to give money. I gave most of the times but sometimes people try to take advantage of it” Gyan said.
Goalscorers Asamoah Gyan (L) and Kevin Prince Boateng of Ghana celebrate victory during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Round of Sixteen match between USA and Ghana at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on June 26, 2010 in Rustenburg, South Africa (Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images)
Gyan played for Ghana at three FIFA World Cups and is the highest African goal scorer at the competition.
Asamoah Gyan of Ghana and Lucio of Brazil compete for the ball during the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 Round of 16 match (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts/Getty Images)
