Asamoah Gyan, Ghana’s iconic striker, has ruled himself out of the Black Stars’ World Cup squad for this year’s tournament in Qatar, stating he isn’t physically fit.
Following Ghana’s World Cup qualification, numerous football fans and experts have demanded that the proven striker be considered for the tournament.
36-year-old Asamoah Gyan told an Accra-based FM station that he must earn a call-up to the national team on merit, not history or prior accomplishments.
“Since I’ve not hanged my boots from football I think I have to earn a call-up to the national team. If I have a club and performing at the highest level, then why not?” Gyan said.
“I have to earn it and not because I’m the highest top scorer for the Black Stars so I can just wake up and join camp. No, it doesn’t work like that.
“Yes, I heard the story of Roger Milla when I was very young but most importantly I have to be physically fit because I’m naturally gifted and can offer a lot on the pitch.
“But physically I’m not ready. I don’t think I’m fit enough to merit an invitation to the national team. I have to be in my right shape to earn it.”
Gyan is the Ghana national team’s all-time leading scorer, with 51 goals in 109 games since his debut in 2003 until his last game in 2019.
After appearing in three World Cup tournaments – 2006 in Germany, 2010 in South Africa, and 2014 in Brazil – the former Ghana captain is Africa’s all-time leading scorer with six goals.
Gyan joined local side Legon Cities FC last season, but due to injury and other reasons, he was unable to make an impression in the Ghana Premier League.
The former Sunderland, Udinese, and Stade Rennes player is presently unattached after leaving City at the end of the 2020-21 season.
