Gyan looks forward to UAE experience

Few would have predicted Gyan’s move from Sunderland to a small club in the UAE [GALLO/GETTY]

With Asamoah Gyan’s career at Sunderland appearing to be over, the Al Ain striker said on Monday he is ready to make a fresh start with the little-known club in the United Arab Emirates.

The striker’s move away from the Stadium of Light came as a surprise to many supporters as he has been one of the Black Cats strongest players since his arrival last year and seemed to have adapted to the Premier League well.

It is likely Gyan would have been an important player for Sunderland this season, however, the 25-year-old Ghana international, who helped his country reach the quarter-finals at last year’s World Cup, is feeling positive.

“I will deliver here, I’m very sure about that,” he said.

“I’m really, really happy to be here, at an important club like Al Ain,” Gyan said at a news conference, adding that he came to the Persian Gulf emirate “for the challenge and the experience of the place.”

The terms of Gyan’s deal with Al Ain were not revealed but a move from the Premier League to a small player in the UAE suggests that money may have played a part.

Although Gyan is on a season-long loan, Sunderland coach Steve Bruce said Saturday the player’s return was unlikely.

Last year, Gyan became Sunderland’s record signing. He scored 11 goals in 37 appearances for the Premier League club.

Gyan said he needed “a change in environment.”

“I’ve played in Europe for a while and I’m here to see how is the Asian league,” Gyan said.

“Hopefully, I will help the team win some cups and then see where my future lies.”

Gyan joined Sunderland for the club’s record of $20 million. He was previously with French club Rennes.

Gyan is the fourth foreign player the club has signed in recent weeks ahead of the new season starting October 15.

Argentina’s Ignacio Scocco, Mirel Radoi of Romania and Saudi Arabia’s Yasser al-Qahtani are the three other new players on the team.

Al Ain is owned by Sheik Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi.

The club finished tenth in the first-division UAE Pro League last season.