The Assistant coach of the Black Stars, George Boateng, says the technical team is yet to meet or take a decision on Asamoah Gyan’s wish to play at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Gyan, who is Ghana’s all-time top scorer, has expressed his desire to play for the Black Stars at the upcoming FIFA World Cup to be staged in Qatar.
In an interview with the BBC’s John Bennett, Gyan admitted he is not fully fit at the moment and is working hard to be in good shape.
But he was quick to indicate that “anything can happen” about him returning to the Black Stars squad for the World Cup because “it has happened before back in 1994 when Roger Milla came back from retirement to play in the World Cup.”
Asamoah Gyan’s comment has seen several top football and government officials comment on his wish to play at the Black Stars with divided opinions on whether to invite him or not.
Ghana’s deputy Sports Minister Evans Opoku Bobie who is among the top personalities to have commented on the issue said, “If he (Asamoah Gyan) improves his fitness and we can take him, i will support it. On the world stage, he has experience. If we help him to score at the World Cup, he extends his World Cup record which also gives Ghana more mileage. He has that fear factor many countries know off”.
Black Stars assistant coach George Boateng in an interview revealed that, “Out of respect for the player [Gyan] and a friend of mine as a person, I will prefer to discuss this issue with him in person, rather than sharing with the outside world. We haven’t spoken to Gyan yet so we will not disclose anything until we have spoken to the player himself.”
Asamoah Gyan is Ghana’s all-time leading goal scorer with 51 goals in 109 appearances.
George Boateng believes the Ex-Sunderland, Al Ain and Udinese striker must be applauded for his achievements with the national team.
“We as staff have so much respect for Gyan. As a player and person, he is a very good friend of mine and what he has done for Ghana is amazing. Top goal scorer, six goals at the World Cup, it’s amazing. You can only applaud his achievement”.
The former Black Stars captain has played in three World Cup tournaments in 2006, 2010 and 2014.
Asamoah Gyan is without a club since leaving Ghana Premier League side Legon Cities.
