Black Stars Captain Asamoah Gyan has disclosed that the last two weeks have been the most stressful period of his entire life, but he has survived by God’s grace and encouragement from Ghanaians and people close to him.

He said the prolonged search for his musician friend Castro and the latter’s pal, Janet, has caused him much anxiety although he is still optimistic that the two will be found.

Asamoah Gyan made the disclosure in a press statement he issued before leaving Ghana to start pre-season training with his Al Ain club in the UAE.

The Black Stars captain expressed gratitude to Ghanaians and all persons involved in the search and pleaded with all religious leaders to pray for a fruitful search.

NEWS-ONE reproduces the statement unedited:

On my own behalf and on behalf of my family and team, I wish to express profound gratitude to all Ghanaians, persons and institutions that have stood firmly behind us since Sunday July 6, 2014 when we had information that our close friend and brother, popular musician Castro (known in private life as Theophilus Tagoe) had gone missing on the Volta River together with an acquaintance, Miss Janet Bandu, who had apparently hitched a ride with Castro on a jet ski rented by Castro.

The last two weeks have been the most stressful period of my entire life and I have survived only by the grace of my Creator and the encouragement I continue to receive from Ghanaians and the persons around me.

Although the anxiety within my spirit is eating me up, we have remained united in hope and continue to remain optimistic as we endure these nightmarish periods of painful wait and watch hours turn into days and days turn into weeks.

I am very grateful to the search team that has worked tirelessly day and night in hope of finding Castro and Jane. I am particularly grateful to the Ghana Police Service particularly the Marine Police Unit (MPU), the Tema Police Command and the Ada Police Command.

I am also grateful to the Ghana Navy, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, the Ada East District Assembly, local fishermen at Ada, traditionalists and the several individuals who joined in the search.

I thank the media, colleague footballers and musicians for standing by me.

The Tagoe family has shown me much love and support through these trying times and I thank them for the encouragement they gave me to return to my club and join the pre-season training.

Though I am geographically away, my spirit and mind is not away and I will be in constant communication with the team as we pray and await the long overdue good news.

I am a Christian and I believe in God. I have not stopped going on my knees to speak to my Maker about this incident and I want to personally appeal to all religious leaders in Ghana and all persons who believe in the power of prayer to intercede for the missing two.

My prayers and support lie firmly with Castro and Miss Jane Bandu and their families. We pray for strength and fortitude for all engaged in the search and we also call on anyone who has useful information to assist in this quest. God bless us all.

SIGNED

Sammy Anim Addo

Business Manager/Spokesperson for and on behalf of Asamoah Gyan.

Monday July 21, 2014.