I'm not the first to wear customized armband - Gyan slams critics

Asamoah Gyan has come under criticism for using a customized captain armband in Ghana’s convincing victory over Ethiopia, but the Al Ahli striker is adamant he did nothing wrong as he is not the first in football's history.

It was a five-star performance from the Black Stars as they hammered Ethiopia 5-0 in Kumasi on Sunday, giving Kwesi Appiah a wonderful start to his second reign.

Asamoah Gyan, of course, was on the score sheet, opening the scoring with a great header before Raphael Dwamena (two goals on his Black Stars debut), John Boye as well as Ebenezer Ofori all scored in the comfortable win.

Gyan’s goal in the ninth minute was historic as he tallied 50 goals, becoming the first Ghanaian to achieve such heights for the senior national team. His achievement has been widely celebrated with Gyan earning praise from all and sundry.

But the issue on the talk board has been Gyan’s decision to wear a customized captain’s armband, apparently on the blind side of the management committee.

The band he wore had the colours of the Ghana flag with his image and iconic number 3 on it.

That meant when he was substituted, his deputy Andre Ayew had to be given a new one from the dugout, fueling the perceived rift between himself and West Ham ace.

According to critics it was a needless invention, but Gyan has taken his time to school the public.

"That is what I heard which is quite strange that people are making comments about this armband thing after a huge win."

"Honestly I don't know what people want again, Zanetti of Inter Milan had his picture on his arm band, Icardi of Inter Milan and Sergio Ramos as well so why is it that anything Asamoah Gyan does is becomes an issue."

"At the end of the day we have won and we should be happy with that."