Gyan: «African player of the year? I deserve it !»

2010 is near its end, and back comes the time of football awards. Already shortlisted for the Ballon d’or, Asamoah Gyan is also one of the obvious favourites for the African Player of the Year award, which will be decided by the African Football Confederation.

The former Rennes player certainly believes in his chances. Talking to website Kickoff.com, Gyan shows high confidence. “I have done very well this year at club level, at the Nations Cup and the world cup too” Gyan says. “Drogba has been my inspiration. He spoke to me when I was heavily criticised during the 2008 Nations Cup (Ed.: The Ghanaian striker had even received death threats after his bad performances during the competition, played in Ghana) and told me to keep going. Eto’o is a legend but this year has been my year and even they would agree. I am nowhere near them overall and want to be like them one day but this year, I have played well to deserve the title.”

The AFC will hold its annual awards ceremony on 20th December at Cairo, Egypt. No Ghanaian player has won the best player award since Abedi Pelé in 1992.