Sports News of Tuesday, 21 May 2019

Source: starrfm.com.gh

Asamoah feels betrayed by Kwasi Appiah – Gyan foundation

Coach Kwasi Appiah and Skipper, Asamoah Gyan Coach Kwasi Appiah and Skipper, Asamoah Gyan

Communications Director of the Asamoah Gyan foundation Randy Opoku Afriyie says his boss feels betrayed by the coach of the Black Stars Kwasi Appiah.

According to him, even though Gyan has stood by the coach in his difficult times, Mr. Appiah has not returned the favour.

Gyan has announced his retirement from the Black Stars with immediate effect.

In a statement, the striker said he will also not be available for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Egypt.

Captain Gyan has announced his retirement from the Black Stars with immediate effect.

In a statement, the striker said he will also not be available for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Egypt.

“Upon consultation with my family and team, and as an active footballer and captain of the National team, if the decision of the coach is to give captaincy of the tournament to another player while I am named in the team for the tournament, I wish to recuse myself from the tournament,” Gyan said in a statement.

He added: “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.

“I would continue to serve the country Ghana in other endeavours as a businessman through various investments.”

some Ghanaians have criticised Gyan for leaving the team over a matter as simple as captaincy role.

Speaking to Francis Abban on the Morning Starr Tuesday, Mr. Opoku Afriyie said Gyan decision was made after a careful process of consultation.

“It’s betrayal. He has been there for the coach in very trying times. Times that he himself was being undermined by some people, Gyan stood by him, and believed that a black man can do the job so he does not deserve this kind of thing,” he said.

Reacting to the claim however, a former member of the team Augustine Arhinful said the decision by Gyan is unfortunate.

” Who made him the captain in the first place? these matters that are very technical you know. This is unfortunate because it looks like if you don’t make me the captain then I can’t come and show good will. You should the team know that you there not for yourself but the entire team,” he said.