Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan has opened up about the struggles he faced during his tenure as the leader of the senior national team.
During an Instagram Live session on Thursday, January 2, 2025, Gyan shared how internal divisions within the team affected his leadership and left a mark on his legacy.
“In my time as a captain of the national team, I was alone. I only delivered on the field,” Gyan said.
“The kids would come into the team, they are all excited to see me. Then three days later, they would be avoiding me all because they have been brainwashed.”
Gyan alleged that some figures within the team intentionally created division, leading to a lack of respect from younger players.
“People brainwashed the kids against me so they didn’t respect me. After my departure, you can see the effect. Go back and look at the kids who were brainwashed where are they now?”
The former striker also addressed criticism he faced during his captaincy, particularly over his decision to feature his image on the captain’s armband, a move that sparked controversy at the time.
“Instead of celebrating my 50th goal, you were fixated on my face on the captain’s armband,” he lamented.
Gyan, who is Ghana’s all-time top scorer with 51 goals, led the Black Stars from 2012 to 2019. He officially retired from professional football in June 2023, leaving behind a legacy as one of Ghana’s most celebrated players.