At the age of 37, football legend Asamoah Gyan of Ghana has declared his retirement from the sport.
Gyan is Ghana’s all-time leading scorer with 51 goals, but his missed penalty during the 2010 World Cup denied his nation its place in history as the first African country to advance to the semifinals.
At a press conference in Accra, he announced the end of a career that lasted more than 20 years.
“I want to take this great opportunity, a stage that is difficult in every footballer’s career, a moment all footballers do not wish, but when nature dawns, that thin voice will keep echoing into the ears,” Gyan tweeted on Tuesday.
“It is time… that voice has been clear in my ears, and I have succumbed to it, it is time. It is time to hang up the jersey and boots in glory as I officially retire from active football.”
The former captain of Ghana competed in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups and represented his nation in seven Africa Cup of Nations competitions, twice making it to the final.
He missed the penalty against Uruguay in the final minute of extra time after Luis Suarez had been dismissed for handling a goal-bound attempt. He was a crucial player of the Ghana team that advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2010 World Cup.
Ironically, Ghana lost the shootout 4-2, despite Gyan’s penalty conversion.
He was known lovingly as “Baby Jet” and played for a number of European teams, including Sunderland in the Premier League, Udinese in Serie A, and Rennes in Ligue 1.
According to AFP, Gyan is anticipated to continue working in football as a television analyst, promoter, and ambassador.
The Ghanaian football player claims that he wants to use his expertise in coaching, business, and scouting to support and develop future athletes.