Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan says it is up to Ghanaians to decide whether he deserves to be called a football legend following his retirement.
The former Sunderland and Al Ain striker, who is Ghana’s all-time leading scorer and Africa’s highest-scoring player in FIFA World Cup history, said he believes many fans now appreciate his contribution to the Black Stars.
Speaking on Kenya’s Sports Garage Show, Gyan admitted that he faced criticism during his playing days but said opinions have changed since he retired.
“Right now, I leave it for the fans, because I’m retired now, so they have to decide whether I made it or not,” he said.
According to Gyan, some supporters did not like him while he was still playing and even wished he was not part of the national team.
“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,” he added.
Despite his achievements, Gyan said he would not describe himself as a legend, insisting that decision belongs to the fans.
“It’s for the fans to decide,” he said.
Asamoah Gyan enjoyed an international career of more than 15 years, playing in seven Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and three FIFA World Cups.
He remains Ghana’s all-time top scorer and the only African male player to score in three different FIFA World Cup tournaments.
