Black Stars legend Asamoah Gyan says he is leaving it to Ghanaian football fans to decide whether he deserves to be regarded as a legend following his retirement from the game.
Gyan, Ghana’s all-time leading scorer with 51 international goals and Africa’s highest scorer in FIFA World Cup history with six goals, believes time has changed the way many supporters view his contribution to the national team.
Speaking on Kenya’s Sports Garage Show, the former Sunderland, Al Ain and Liberty Professionals striker admitted he faced criticism during his playing career but feels many fans now appreciate what he achieved for Ghana.
“Right now, I leave it for the fans, because I’m retired now, so they have to decide whether I made it or not.”
The 40-year-old said opinions about him have evolved since he stepped away from football.
“Because the time when I was playing, of course there were people who didn’t like me. They didn’t even want to see me on the field. But now that I’m home, that I’m done, I’m retired, they understand the kind of person I was.”
Gyan enjoyed an illustrious international career spanning more than 15 years, representing Ghana at seven Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and three FIFA World Cups.
He remains one of the country’s most decorated footballers and is widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest strikers.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Gyan insists it is not his place to declare himself a legend, preferring to leave that judgment to the supporters who followed his career.
“It’s for the fans to decide.”
