The Captain of the senior national team Asamoah Gyan, who is popularly known by the Ghanaian community and his playing mates as ‘Baby Jet’ has announced his retirement from the Senior National team the Black Stars of Ghana.
In a statement posted to his official Twitter page, Asamoah Gyan said “I wish to recuse myself from the [AFCON] tournament. I also wish to retire from the national team permanently; not pretending my presence would not fuel the purported undermining the country has seen under my captaincy.”
The 33-year-old who was in line to lead the Black Stars at the 2019 African Cup of Nations tournament which is set to begin in July in what many had speculated would be his last major competition with the squad.
Reports suggest that the head coach, Kwesi Appiah was set to name his 30-man provisional team for the tournament on Tuesday, with Gyan seen as a nailed on call-up, particularly in light of his recent form.
Gyan made his international debut in November 2003 as a 17-year-old and has gone on to make over 100 appearances for the senior team, scoring 51 goals, making him the top goal scorer of the black stars.
His absence may come as a void no player can fill for years to com.
Below is his Press statement released:
