Asamoah Gyan insists he still has “many things to do” for Al Ain, after agreeing to extend his contract with the Arabian Gulf League heavyweights until 2018.
Gyan, 28, has been an incredible success since joining the Boss, initially on loan, from English Premier League side Sunderland three years ago.
The striker has since struck an eye-catching 82 goals in 66 UAE top-flight matches, being the division’s top scorer each season. The Ghana captain’s performances have now been rewarded with improved terms on the deal that was originally set to expire in 2016.
Gyan said: “Here, I received all support since I came and without my colleagues’ support I would have not been able to do this and I’m still young and have many things to do for the team.
“I said before that I came to UAE to prove that I can win the challenge. I came from one of the strongest leagues in the world and hit great achievements with my colleagues here.
“I thank H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the support they give to the club before I come to Al Ain, which made Al Ain of high reputation in the continent. As players, we are confident that all ambitions are attained by the support of the club leaders.
“I also thank [coach] Zlatko [Dalic] who again wanted me to be in his team, as he is the boss of the team and decides what is the best for the team. So I thank him for the trust.”
During his spell at the Garden City, Gyan has won two AGL titles, one UAE Super Cup and scored the only goal in last term’s President’s Cup triumph against Al Ahli.
He enjoyed another successful World Cup with his nation this summer, his two goals helping him become Africa’s all-time top scorer in the competition.
The ex-Rennes and Udinese front man had been linked with a Premier League return to West Ham in January, with reports of an exit also appearing after his strong displays in Brazil. But Gyan declared he never had any intention to quit the Hazza bin Zayed outfit, after falling “in love” with the UAE.
He added: “It is not important where you play, it is the individual’s motivation and desire to push himself to the limit.
“I played in Europe but when I came to UAE I fell in love with the country and the people here.”
He added: “There is no secret and I’m a professional player and can play anywhere and I said in one of the interviews that I came to UAE looking for a new challenge after being in Africa and Europe.
“However, statistically I did more with my national team after I moved to UAE. I don’t mean the English Premier League is not good, but it is different, and coming to Al Ain gave me what I want.”
