Asamoah Gyan‘s actions are not those of a man easily forgiven.
Sunderland supporters felt seriously let down, indeed betrayed, when he began this season as if he’d been lazing by a pool feasting on burgers, chips and high calorie drinks all summer (though we must surely have been mistaken in gaining such an impression). And then beetled off to Al Ain to earn a packet in, at best, a Conference-standard league.
Have I forgotten something or am I right in thinking he has not directly apologised for any of that, beyond making self-serving statements to selected media outlets?
And now his response to criticism of his performance for Ghana in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations is to stomp off from the international scene.
This is from the Ghana Football Association:
(We have) received a letter from striker Asamoah Gyan announcing his decision to take a temporary break from the Black Stars.
Mr Gyan is frustrated over the verbal abuse he has received since playing for the country at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
The GFA is in talks with Mr Gyan to urge him to reconsider his decision.
By way of reminder, Gyan missed an early penalty in the semis against the eventual trophy winners, Zambia. Those unforgiving Ghana fans also remember that last-second penalty miss against Uruguay in the 2010 World Cup quarter finals after our infamous introduction to Luis Suarez’s interpretation of the Corinthian spirit.
“I’d like to apologise to the fans,” Gyan told skysports.com after the Zambia game. “It’s been very difficult for me. I’d never miss a penalty on purpose. It’s now two of the biggest penalties in my country’s history and it’s difficult to take! I’ve been unlucky. We all miss them. Fans should know it’s not easy. Drogba missed in the final Eto’o has missed before. It’s happened to the greatest before, I’m sorry.”
Good luck in your negotiations with Mr Gyan, GFA.
Asamoah who? (As in, who needs him?)