Former Ghana captain and Al Ain goal machine Asamoah Gyan announces retirement

Ghana’s all-time top goalscorer and former Al Ain star Asamoah Gyan has announced his retirement from football.

The 37-year-old, who scored 51 goals in 109 appearances for his country, called time on a career spanning more than two decades on Tuesday.

The former captain featured at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups and represented his country at seven Africa Cup of Nations tournaments – reaching the final on two occasions.

A key member of the Ghana side that reached the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals – he missed the penalty in the last minute of extra-time against Uruguay after Luis Suarez had been sent-off for handling a goal-bound effort.

Gyan did convert his penalty in the shoot-out which Ghana lost 4-2.

“I want to take this great opportunity, a stage that is difficult in every footballer's career, a moment all footballers do not wish, but when nature dawns, that thin voice will keep echoing into the ears,” said Gyan in a statement on his Twitter account.

“Will never leave my love “ ❤️⚽️ @ghanafaofficial @CAF_Online @FIFAWorldCup @FIFAcom @AnimSammy @PrinxRandy pic.twitter.com/IX05ZTywlw

“It is time … that voice has been clear in my ears, and I have succumbed to it, it is time.

“It is time to hang up the jersey and boots in glory as I officially retire from active football.

“I want to thank my beloved country Ghana, my family, my colleagues from school, those from colts and Blackstar from 2002 to date, club mates, coaches and everybody who played a role in my career as a footballer. I say thank you … may God bless us all.”

Gyan, who last played a competitive match almost three years ago, signed for several European clubs during his career including Sunderland in the Premier League, Serie A's Udinese, as well as Rennes in