The backlash was intense and it took a toll on me - Asamoah Gyan opens on World Cup penalty miss against Uruguay

Former Black Stars striker, Asamoah Gyan has revealed that the backlash he faced after missing the penalty against Uruguay during the 2010 World Cup was intense and took a toll on him.

In a quarterfinal clash against the two-time Mundial winners, the former Liberty Professional striker missed a crucial penalty with seconds to end the game in regulation time after the match was tied at 1-1.

Gyan who had successfully converted penalties earlier in the tournament, stepped up to take the crucial kick but sent the ball soaring over the crossbar.

This miss proved costly, as Ghana eventually lost 4-2 in the subsequent penalty shootout, leading to their elimination from the tournament.

“The backlash was intense and it took a toll on me,” Gyan admitted at the Afro Sports Summit in Accra.

“But it also made me realize the importance of mental health. Athletes need to take mental health issues seriously and seek help when needed," he added.

Gyan also highlighted the influence of former defender Sammy Kuffour, who served as a mentor and source of inspiration.

“Sammy Kuffour was a trailblazer. His vision and tenacity for creating wealth helped me through some of my toughest times before and after my footballing career.”

Gyan,w ho announced his retirement in June 2023 remains the country's all-time leading goal scorer with 51 goals and Africa's leading goalscorer in the history of the global showpiece.