Wear Ghana win something - Gyan
ASAMOAH Gyan believes Sunderland can become a trophy-winning team in the seasons ahead – and that's why he has joined them, writes GRAEME ANDERSON.
The Black Cats' 13m record buy says his move to Wearside is a dream come true, and he cannot wait to make his Premier League debut.
But he is also excited about the potential of a club that has finally matched its size with hard cash in recent transfer windows.
Gyan played in Ghana's 3-0 African Cup of Nations qualifying win over Swaziland at the weekend, but will arrive back in England later this week and could make his Sunderland debut at Wigan on Saturday.
The ambitious 24-year-old has already played in an African Cup of Nations final and a World Cup quarter-final this year with Ghana and he has set his sights on winning silverware for both club and country.
"First of all, I want to help both Ghana and my new club win trophies," said the deadline day capture from French side Rennes, pictured.
"I can only do well if I'm winning things at club and international level.
"But I don't want to get ahead of myself.
"The most important thing for me is to improve and mature as a player.
"Playing in England is a dream to many players, so I'm happy to be there.
"It's a big stage and I'm looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead. I know it won't be easy but I will work twice as hard in order to achieve my goals.
"First I have to adapt to the conditions, but sure, I'm looking forward to the challenge and a change of environment."
Gyan scored three goals at this summer's World Cup in South Africa, helping Ghana reach the last eight.
And the Black Stars came within a whisker of becoming the first African side to reach the semi-finals – Gyan hitting the crossbar with a penalty in the final minute of extra-time against Uruguay when the game was deadlocked at 1-1.
"It's an experience I would like to forget, it was so close," he said.
"You must understand that before that game, I had scored almost all the penalties I'd taken.
"I had the confidence that I could score that one.
"Unfortunately that didn't happen. It was an overwhelming moment.
"As the ball hit the post, I felt this weird feeling inside of me, it was like I had let people down.
"Actually, I knew I had let so many people down, but that is football - these things happen.
"I haven't given myself time to analyse that moment minute-by-minute, but I can tell you that it hurt me a lot. My team-mates and the coaching staff were very supportive. I'm trying to move on from that heartbreak.
"It was unfortunate that our World Cup had to end like that.
"But once again, we are proud of our achievement, we know it could have been better, but you can't change what happened."
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Weather for Jarrow
Sunday 05 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -0 C to 6 C
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