Abu Dhabi - Arabstoday
Al Ain FC on Monday completed the high-profile signing of talented Ghanian striker Asamoah Gyan from Sunderland in a bold bid aimed at boosting their hopes of ending their wait for a domestic title. The prolific 25-year-old striker was unveiled at an official press conference held on Monday at Al Ain’s packed Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium’s conference hall. Gyan departs from England’s Premier League outfit after the domestic transfer window had closed and amid claims that his loan transfer was for a world-record sum Africa’s player of the year, a hero in his own country, completes the quartet of foreign player quota permissible in the UAE Pro League. He joins Argentina’s Igancio Scocco, Mirel Radoi of Romani and Saudi Arabia’s Yasser Al Qahtani ahead of the new season which starts on October 15. Soon after Gyan was introduced to the media at Monday’s high-profile ceremony he pledged his commitment to Al Ain Club and said his primary goal was to help them to win the League Cup. “I’m really happy to be here. Al Ain is an important club and this is a big challenge for me. There will be a lot of expectations on me, but not pressure,” he said. “Everybody who has seen me in the World Cup and at Sunderland know what I am capable of, but this is a new challenge for me as I’m a new player here. “We have quality players in the club to win games and do well in the championships. We will try to build a winning team.” Gyan stressed that while he aims to score more goals it is more important for him to be on the winning side. “As an attacker I need to score more goals, that is my commitment and I hope to deliver, but I’m also looking for the support of the players,” he said. “I’m happy that Al Ain Club and the coach has confidence in me and that an important thing a player should have. I’m glad Al Ain Club have given me this opportunity to play in the league. I’m here to see how Asian leagues are and hopefully I can help the team to win some cup and see where my future lies.” Awad Bin Hasoum Al Darmaki, Al Ain Club Board of Directors, said: “I believe that a player of the caliber of Asamoah Gyan will add value for Al Ain Club. He is ready to accept challenges anywhere in the world but success is not only the responsibility of a single player and coach, I believe it’s an equation that each part has its role and responsibility.” Al Ain’s Romania coach Cosmin Olaroiu, said they have succeeded in securing a player that they wanted to bring. “We chose another striker because we have to score goals. If you look at all the players we have brought here are champions. We want to get back the history of Al Ain club and that’s why we have brought Gyan who is an Olympic champion.”