Asamoah Gyan: Ghana striker defends decision to move to UAE, welcomes Van Nisterooy's criticism

[caption id="attachment_274681" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Asamoah Gyan[/caption]Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan has backed his decision to move to the United Arab Emirates but takes Van Nistelrooy's criticism in good stride.Gyan shocked the footballing world when he opted to sign for Al Ain in 2012 despite an impressive run of form at English side Sunderland.The Ghanaian international managed more than one season at the Stadium of Light after signing a four-year deal to move to the Gulf.But after excelling heavily at the international stage with the Black Stars, former Dutch striker Ruud Van Nisterooy questioned his decision to leave Europe and insisted he will soar higher if moves back.But the Black Stars captain has defended his decision to move to the Etisalat Pro-League side but  says the criticism of the Manchester United legend is justifiable.“"I appreciate a a legend like Van Nistelrooij taking notice of me during a tournament .He was one of my favourites when he played.I remember when I moved to the Gulf, I said my main aim was to raise awareness of the league and this is what is happening,” he told Allsports.com.gh“Other players have since joined me there.Vucinic moved from Juventus,Grafite also came in,all great players and it is making our league better and better. The EPL started somewhere and look at it now."I was looking for consistency in my goal scoring and I have found that since I moved there.“He [Van Nistelrooy] has boosted my confidence to score more goals this season.Gyan is Ghana's record scorer with 45 goals in 86 appearances and the leading African scorer at the World Cup, surpassing the record held by Cameroonian legend Roger Milla.