Al Ain are said to have splashed out a world record £6million (Dh36m) fee for the one year that Gyan will spend in the oasis city, while the Ghana international will reportedly earn a whopping £200,000 (Dh1.2m)-per-week.
Gyan drew severe criticism from Sunderland boss Steve Bruce for his decision to quit the Stadium of Light, but the former Rennes and Udinese striker insists he will do justice to his contract with The Boss by doing what he does best, scoring goals.
“I’m really happy to be here and at an important club like Al Ain. This is a very big club and a big challenge for me. Everybody knows what I am capable of, they’ve seen me in the World Cup and at Sunderland,” said Gyan, who scored 11 goals in 33 appearances for the Premier League side last season.
“There will be a lot of expectations on me, not pressure, just expectation. Everyone expects strikers to score goals, but I want to be on the winning side every time and if I don’t score, then I want to be involved in goal-scoring – that is very important.
“Of course as an attacker I need to score, but I believe in being on the winning side and I’m going to deliver… I’m very sure about that.”
One of Africa’s top strikers, Gyan picked up the BBC’s African Footballer of the Year award for 2010 following his classy performance in the World Cup in South Africa.
He has scored 26 international goals in 51 outings for Ghana and was tipped to move to Turkey during the summer with both Trabzonspor and Galatasaray linked after it became clear he no longer wanted to play for Sunderland.
Gyan said he decided to move to the UAE with Al Ain after discussing the situation with his family with the opportunity to experience Asia’s footballing culture one of the major motivating factors behidn his decision.
“This is something I’ve discussed with all the people who matter. I’m not somebody who listens only to myself I listen to my family and I didn’t make this decision on my own,” said Gyan, “In this world you need challenges and I needed a change of environment because I’ve played in Europe for so long.
“So when this opportunity came I spoke with players who had played here before. I want to see how football is played in other countries so I came here for the challenge and the experience. I’m here to help Al Ain do well.”
Gyan was impressed by the club’s hospitality during the two days in which he completed his medical and other signing formalities and he is looking forward to repaying Al Ain’s faith in the upcomong season.
“The reception and everything I’ve had was positive and I am happy to be here,” he said. “I’m happy that the coach [Cosmin Olaroiu] has confidence in me, that’s an important thing for a player. I’m glad Al Ain brought me to this league.
“We have quality players here to win games and we will do well and try to build the team and win competitions.”
Gyan will wear the No.3 shirt for his new club, an odd number for a striker to have on his back, but not for the Ghanaian. He explains: “I’ve been wearing it since I was a kid as I started playing as a left-back.
“Three is a powerful number. My older brother wore the No.3 shirt, he gave it to me and since then it’s been my favourite. I am a Christian and in my religion three suggests what we call the Holy Trinity – the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, so it is special to me.”
Gyan insists his hamstring injury picked up on international duty with the Black Stars is not serious and he should be ready to pull on the Al Ain shirt soon. “There’s nothing to worry about. It will depend on the medical team to take a call, but for now I’m going back home and I will try and join the team as soon as possible.”
Gyan completes Al Ain’s three foreigner quota after the earlier arrivals of Romanian defender Mirel Radoi and Argentine midfielder Ignaccio Scocco, while their overseas Asian spot has been filled by Saudi Arabia striker Yasser Al Qahtani.
Nine-time UAE champions Al Ain endured a dismal campaign last season as the finished just outside the relegation zone in 10th place. But the club’s CEO, Awad bin Hasoom Al Darmaky is upbeat about their prospects following the capture of Gyan.
“I believe that a player of Gyan’s calibre will be added value for Al Ain Club,” he said. “When you have a talented player who is ready to accept challenges anywhere in the world you will succeed.”
New boss Cosmin Olaroiu added: “You don’t have to be 35 to play in the Pro League. The level of our league is going up and Emirates football is pushing up so there’s no reason why younger players won’t be motivated to come and play in the UAE.”
Check out the moment Gyan arrived at his new club below. Is it just us or does he look a little bemused by it all? Or why not have a look at our picture gallery of his press conference.
