Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan, aged 37, has officially announced his retirement from professional football, marking the end of a remarkable career that spanned over two decades.

Gyan made the announcement at the 30th Afreximbank Annual Meetings at the Accra International Conference Centre today. He was emotional and wept as he announced his decision and hugged former Ivorian and Chelsea star Didier Drogba on the dais.

Gyan’s decision to hang up his boots comes after a significant milestone, as he last played a competitive match nearly three years ago. Throughout his illustrious career, he established himself as one of Ghana’s most talented and influential players, leaving an indelible mark on both Ghanaian and African football.

Renowned for his exceptional goal-scoring abilities and numerous accolades, Gyan’s impact on the sport cannot be understated. He represented his country with distinction in multiple FIFA World Cup tournaments, showcasing his skill and unwavering dedication on the international stage. Notably, Gyan holds the record for the most goals scored by any African player in the history of the World Cup, netting an impressive six times.

Gyan’s decision to retire at the age of 37 highlights the longevity of his career and the enduring passion he had for the game. Throughout the years, he consistently displayed a high level of performance and made significant contributions to the success of his teams, a testament to his exceptional talent and professionalism.

Finishing his career as Ghana’s all-time leading goal scorer, Gyan recorded an impressive tally of 51 goals in 109 appearances for his country. Additionally, he achieved over 170 goals at the club level, having played for esteemed clubs such as Rennes, Al Ain, Sunderland, and Udinese.