Ghana Legend Asamoah Gyan Reveals How Sacrificing to Play at AFCON Ended His Manchester City Move

• Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has revealed that he was close to joining English giants Manchester City
• Asamoah Gyan played his first Africa Cup of Nations in 2008 when Ghana hosted the competition with the Black Stars finishing third
• The former Sunderland forward is preparing to make a comeback to the Black Stars before the World Cup in Qatar

Legendary Ghanaian forward, Asamoah Gyan, has revealed that he came close to joining English giants Manchester City in 2008.

Gyan was on the radar of the English team with talks at advanced stage between his representatives and the club.

However, the former Ghana captain had to choose between playing at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations and completing a move to Manchester City, and he decided on the former.

“In 2008 Ghana hosted it [AFCON] and it was my first AFCON and that time I got injured. I had problems with my groin. But, I said to myself, there is no way I’m going to miss the tournament. And, that year Manchester City wanted to sign me,” he said on Asempa FM as quoted by GhanaSportsOnline.

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“The deal was almost done. I remember my agent told me that I should forget about the AFCON and make sure I get well so I go sign the contract. But, I told my manager, this is my first AFCON. I need to die for Ghana. Ghana is hosting it. It is an amazing tournament,” he added.

Asamoah Gyan helped the Black Stars finish third at his maiden Africa Cup of Nations, scoring a goal at the tournament hosted by Ghana.

The country's all-time leading scorer has not played in over a year but has revealed his desire to play at the World Cup in Qatar.

Asamoah Gyan feels underappreciated by Ghanaians

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that former Black Stars captain, Asamoah Gyan, has expressed disappointment at the way he is treated by Ghanaians.

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The country's all-time top scorer also holds the record as the most capped player for the senior national team.

However, Gyan feels he has not been celebrated enough despite all his achievements with the Black Stars.