Asamoah Gyan is to take over as Ghana captain for their forthcoming <a href="http://www.thenational.ae/topic/events/football/african-cup-of-nations">African Cup of Nations</a> campaign - just three months after ending his international exile. The 26-year-old <a href="http://www.thenational.ae/topic/organisations/sports-teams/uae-football-teams/al-ain">Al Ain</a> forward was named by Kwesi Appiah as his permanent captain for the national side ahead of tonight's draw for the 2013 African Cup of Nations Gyan <a href="http://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/fully-focused-asamoah-gyan-to-end-international-retirement">ended a six month international exile</a> in July, having <a href="http://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/ghana-officials-ask-asamoah-gyan-to-reconsider-while-al-kamali-boosts-olympic-team">quit the national team</a> following abuse he received from supporters over Ghana's exit from the competition. "Playing for Ghana has provided me with a platform to share my passion for my country with millions in a way I neither expected nor could have imagined in my career," Gyan said in a statement. "Although I'm recognised with this tremendous honour of the captain of the Black Stars, I don't look at this moment as just to lead but once again to serve my country together with my colleagues and build on what the previous generations have achieved for our country." The forward joined Al Ain on a permanent deal from <a href="http://www.thenational.ae/topic/subjects/english-premier-league-(epl)">English Premier League</a> side <a href="http://www.thenational.ae/topic/organisations/sports-teams/english-premier-league-football-teams/sunderland">Sunderland</a> in the summer, after a successful loan spell which saw him grab 25 goals in 23 appearances as the side swept to the Pro League title. This season he has already scored nine goals in five appearances for the side. Appiah said the decision to appoint Gyan to the captaincy was one which had been taken in consultation with the Ghanian FA. "He commands respect from everyone," the coach told <a href="http://www.supersport.com/football/ghana/news/121024/Why_Gyan_was_chosen_to_lead_Ghana">Supersport</a>. "You cannot deny that he has been consistent for the team and he has shown a lot of leadership material, too. "Everyone knows how the Black Stars was divided in my time because of captaincy matters, so for me, the most important thing is not even Gyan being chosen as captain, but the process. "Things must be done right, so that is what I have tried to do." sports@thenational.ae Follow us
