Asamoah Gyan, Ghana's all-time leading goalscorer and former captain of the Black Stars, announced his retirement from professional football today at the age of 34.
Speaking at the 30th Afreximbank Annual Meetings, Mr Gyan said "nature has been calling on me for a very long time and I have finally answered the call.”
“Officially, as I end my speech, I want to take this 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,” he said.
Mr Gyan retires as a Ghana football legend, with 51 goals in 109 appearances for the Black Stars.
He made his debut for Ghana in 2003 at the age of 17 and went on to feature in three World Cups - 2006, 2010 and 2014.
His most memorable moments were scoring Ghana's first ever World Cup goal in 2006 and netting the match-winner against the U.S. in 2010 to send Ghana to the quarterfinals.
"I want to thank my beloved country Ghana, my family, my colleagues from school, those from colts and Black Stars from 2002 to date, clubmates, coaches and everybody who has played a role in my career as a footballer," Mr Gyan said.
The 37-year-old played for clubs in France, Italy, UAE, Turkey, China and Ghana during an illustrious 18-year professional career.
He won multiple league titles and cups in the UAE and Turkey. At the height of his career, Gyan was named BBC African Footballer of the Year in 2010 and finished fourth in CAF's African Player of the Year award.
While Gyan will no longer feature on the pitch, he plans to stay involved in football. "I will put my experience and knowledge to use in the field of coaching, football business and scouting," he said.
Gyan's retirement marks the end of a remarkable era in the history of Ghana football.
His lethal finishing, celebration dances and charismatic personality made him a fan favorite.
He will forever remain an icon and legend of Ghana football, many say after his announcement.
France slams OPEC call to reject fossil fuel deal at Cop28 climate talks
India's opposition cries foul after state election defeats
Progress but divides persist as climate summit takes up fossil fuels
Mary Robinson urges politicians to make science a force of nature
Zimbabwe opposition condemn one-sided by-elections
EU nations reach landmark agreement on AI regulation
Thousands join Afenyo Markin in 'NPP all White Peace Walk'
NDC’s Abebrese has nothing to offer but lies; vote for me, I’m ‘talk and do’, a ...
Zimbabwe by-elections start with opposition in turmoil
