Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has opened up about how the 2006 FIFA World Cup transformed his football career and elevated his status in European football.
Speaking in an interview, Gyan explained that before the tournament in Germany, he was playing in Serie B in Italy and was still trying to establish himself at the club level.
However, his impressive performances for the Black Stars at the World Cup changed the way clubs and football officials viewed him.
“The 2006 World Cup changed everything,” Gyan said. “I was playing in Serie B at that time. After the World Cup, I was seen as a World Cup material.”
According to the former Sunderland striker, his performances during the tournament convinced his parent club, Udinese, that he was ready to compete in the Italian Serie A.
He revealed that the club recalled him because they believed he could now perform at the highest level.
Gyan also disclosed that several clubs showed interest in signing him after the tournament, including Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow.
He described the offer from the club as a huge contract and admitted he considered pursuing the move.
The former Black Stars captain added that his rise in value after the World Cup also reflected in his earnings at Udinese.
“I became one of the highest-paid players at Udinese after the World Cup,” he stated during the interview with 3Sports.
Gyan said the experience made him realise the importance of the FIFA World Cup in shaping the careers of footballers around the world.
“It made me realise the World Cup is the ultimate stage,” he added.
Asamoah Gyan remains Ghana’s all-time top scorer and one of Africa’s most celebrated footballers, having represented Ghana at three FIFA World Cups.
