Gyan aims to take his place in derby folklore

Jan 16 2011 by James Hunter, Sunday Sun

ASAMOAH GYAN wants to cap an incredible 12 months by writing his name into Wear-Tyne derby history this afternoon.

Sunderland’s record signing admits the last year has been the stuff dreams are made of, as he has arrived on the world stage.

Gyan was named in the team of the tournament after leading Ghana to the final of the 2010 African Cup of Nations, and then he played a starring role in the World Cup, finishing as his country’s top scorer as the Black Stars reached the quarter-finals.

And his performances in the World Cup saw him win the BBC African Footballer of the Year award and earned him a place on FIFA’s shortlist for the Ballon d’Or – which was won by Barcelona’s Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi this week – to say nothing of earning him a £13m move to the Premier League with Sunderland!

But with worldwide fame already assured, Gyan knows a winning goal against the Black Cats’ bitter rivals Newcastle today will bring with it hero status on Wearside.

“Derby games are set up for goalscorers,” said Gyan.

“Everybody this week has been talking about Kieran Richardson’s winning goal two seasons ago, and people still sing Gary Rowell’s name 30 years after he scored a hat-trick against Newcastle.

“I’d love to do something like that and make my mark on a derby. If the fans still remember what you have done years later, it must be a big honour.

“To score in the derby would be the perfect end to an amazing year – one I will never forget.

“To play in the World Cup, move to the Premier League with Sunderland, win the BBC African Player of the Year award and to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or – it has been incredible.”

Gyan was given a couple of days off this week to give him chance to return to Ghana to visit his family, after the snow over Christmas in the UK meant they were unable to fly to the North East.

He has returned refreshed and ready for one of Sunderland’s biggest games of the season.

“I have family in Ghana and my big sister lives in London, but no one could come to see me because of the snow,” he said.

“Thankfully, the manager decided to let me go home to Ghana for a few days this week to see my family and I feel much better for that.

“The manager could see in my face that I was missing them and I really want to thank him for giving me some time off.

“But I’ve come back now and I am refreshed and ready to go again.”