Asamoah Gyan leaves legendary status debate to Ghanaians after retirement

Ghana football icon Asamoah Gyan says he will leave it to Ghanaians to determine whether his achievements merit legendary status following his retirement from professional football.

The former Black Stars captain, who remains Ghana's all-time leading scorer and Africa's highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, believes opinions about his contribution to the national team have evolved since he stepped away from the game.

Speaking on Kenya's Sports Garage Show, the former Sunderland and Al Ain forward acknowledged that he faced criticism throughout his playing career but feels many supporters now have a greater appreciation of his impact on Ghanaian football.

"Right now, I leave it for the fans, because I'm retired now, so they have to decide whether I made it or not.

"Because the time when I was playing, of course there were people who didn't like me. They didn't even want to see me on the field. But now that I'm home, that I'm done, I'm retired, they understand the kind of person I was."

Gyan maintained that the decision to regard him as a football legend rests entirely with the fans who witnessed his career, despite his numerous accomplishments for club and country.

"It's for the fans to decide," he added.

The 40-year-old enjoyed a distinguished international career spanning more than 15 years, representing Ghana at seven Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and three FIFA World Cups.

He also holds the unique distinction of being the only African male player to score in three different FIFA World Cup tournaments, cementing his place among the continent's greatest footballers.