Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan has officially announced his retirement from professional football.
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The Accra-born attacker has decided to end what has been an illustrious career in the beautiful game.
The 37-year-old played for the likes of Udinese, Stade Rennais, Sunderland and Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates in his 20-year career and is regarded as one of the finest marksmen to have come out of Africa.
Gyan is also the Black Stars' all-time top goalscorer with 51 strikes, having surpassed another legendary Ghanaian in Abedi Pele.
In a statement posted on his official Twitter account, he wrote: "I want to take this great opportunity, a stage that is difficult in every footballer's career.
"A moment all footballers do not wish, but when nature dawns, that thin voice will keep echoing into the ears, it is time.
"That voice has been clear in my ears, and I have succumbed to it, it is time. It is time to hand the jersey and boots in glory as I officially retire from active football.
"But then again, I am minded by views shared by great businessmen and sporting gurus, 'you do not leave your love', together with my management, we will continue encouraging and pushing young talents."
While the former Ghana captain has been able to make a name for himself all over the world, he will undoubtedly be remembered most famously for his exploits in South Africa during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
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He may also be regarded as notorious for the same tournament – he missed a crucial penalty that would have sealed the win at the end of extra-time against Uruguay in the quarter-finals, only for Ghana to lose the ensuing shootout – but his goals against Serbia, Australia and the United States of America helped the west Africans embark on a historic run at the global showpiece.
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