I was the worst player any time I failed to score for Ghana â?? Asamoah Gyan

Former Black Stars striker Asamoah Gyan has revealed the mindset that fueled his goal-scoring exploits for Ghana.

Gyan, who made his senior national team debut in November 2003, finished his international career as Ghana’s all-time leading scorer, netting 51 goals in 109 appearances.

The forward represented the Black Stars at three FIFA World Cups — Germany 2006, South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014 — before announcing his retirement from professional football in June 2023.

Looking back on his national team journey, the 40-year-old explained that he intentionally set high standards for himself, driven by the expectations of fans and the pressure of leading Ghana’s attack.

"When I used to play for Ghana, obviously, people expect you to score goals because that is what the fans want, so I created that for myself to be consistent in my goal-scoring, so they knew that anytime Ghana plays, they knew I would score."

Gyan admitted that the pressure was relentless, but it also became his source of motivation.

"Anytime I don't score, then there is a problem, so anytime I am going into a game, I pray, and I ask God help me give the fans what they want.

"The people have confidence in me that I can score at any time so when I don't score, I am the worst player, but when I score, I am the best player," he added.

In addition to his legacy with Ghana, Gyan also holds a notable continental record, remaining Africa’s highest goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history with six goals.

Former Black Stars striker Asamoah Gyan has revealed the mindset that fueled his goal-scoring exploits for Ghana.

Gyan, who made his senior national team debut in November 2003, finished his international career as Ghana’s all-time leading scorer, netting 51 goals in 109 appearances.

The forward represented the Black Stars at three FIFA World Cups — Germany 2006, South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014 — before announcing his retirement from professional football in June 2023.

Looking back on his national team journey, the 40-year-old explained that he intentionally set high standards for himself, driven by the expectations of fans and the pressure of leading Ghana’s attack.

"When I used to play for Ghana, obviously, people expect you to score goals because that is what the fans want, so I created that for myself to be consistent in my goal-scoring, so they knew that anytime Ghana plays, they knew I would score."

Gyan admitted that the pressure was relentless, but it also became his source of motivation.

"Anytime I don't score, then there is a problem, so anytime I am going into a game, I pray, and I ask God help me give the fans what they want.

"The people have confidence in me that I can score at any time so when I don't score, I am the worst player, but when I score, I am the best player," he added.

In addition to his legacy with Ghana, Gyan also holds a notable continental record, remaining Africa’s highest goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history with six goals.

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