Asamoah Gyan Reveals He Wanted to Make Fans Happy by Playing at the 2022 World Cup

• Asamoah Gyan was inspired to compete in the 2022 FIFA World Cup
• The former Ghana captain showed interest in playing for his country
• However, the Black Stars coaching team did not extend Gyan an invite

Former Ghana captain, Asamoah Gyan has disclosed that he was inspired to play at the 2022 FIFA World Cup following interest from fans, who wanted to see him wear the Black Stars jersey on the global stage again.

However, that dream could not be fulfilled after the then-coach of the Ghanaian national team, Otto Addo chose not to extend the legendary forward an invite.

Gyan, who remains the country's all-time top scorer with 51 goals from 109 international appearances, instead worked as a pundit during the tournament in Qatar.

“There was lots of talk on the street, with people motivating you that you can really do it. My aim was to do it for the people and make them happy. They made me happy, and they are the same people calling me that you can do it," he said, as quoted by Pulse.

Watch: When N'Golo Kante declined to kiss the Champions League trophy

Football

The former Sunderland forward had not played actively for close to two years, but was undergoing personal training to stay fit for the tournament.

However, some took his intention to play at the World Cup with massive criticism.

“So, I was like let me do it. Let me get to that level and see but unfortunately, it didn’t happen… I said in one of the interviews that I had to earn the call up."

Gyan said people had wrongly assumed that he was certain to return to the national team.

"People took it wrong and started bashing me, saying some things and insulting me."

The 37-year-old is yet to officially retire from the game, despite having been unattached for two years.

Gyan reveals lowest career moment

Arsenal fans worried over injury scare to midfielder in City loss

Football

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on former Ghana captain, Gyan revealing his worst moment with the senior national team.

The 37-year-old spent over a decade with the Black Stars, making his debut for the west African country at the age of 17.

Despite holding the record of being Ghana's all-time top scorer, the former Sunderland striker said things did not always go to plan.