Ghana President Convinces Asamoah Gyan to Withdraw Retirement

Two days after announcing his international retirement, Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan has changed his mind.

ACCRA, Ghana (AP) – Two days after announcing his international retirement, Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan has changed his mind and been included in a provisional squad for the African Cup of Nations starting next month.

Gyan says his change of heart came after speaking with Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo.

The 33-year-old Gyan said Monday he was retiring because he was replaced as Ghana captain by Andre Ayew.

Thank you Ghana, am forever grateful 🙏 @AnimSammy @BaffourGyan4 @cobbyafriyie pic.twitter.com/xDaUKxeIOn

— ASAMOAH GYAN (@ASAMOAH_GYAN3) May 20, 2019

Gyan says he had a phone conversation with Akufo-Addo, who asked him to reconsider, and ''a presidential request is one that cannot be disregarded.''

A presidential request is one that cannot be disregarded.

I have taken the request of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in good faith, and will make myself available for selection by coach Kwasi Appiah to help win the AFCON trophy @AnimSammy @PrinxRandy @BaffourGyan4 pic.twitter.com/WSlHZrjWrd

— ASAMOAH GYAN (@ASAMOAH_GYAN3) May 22, 2019

Gyan was named in a preliminary 29-man squad on Wednesday. He made his international debut at 17 and is Ghana's record goalscorer with 51 goals in 106 games although he hasn't played for his country since late 2017.