Gyan reacts to Messi’s praise : I am excited

• Posted on June 9, 2016June 9, 2016
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has spoken highly of Ghanaian striker Asamoah Gyan, calling him one of the best goal scorers and hailing his strike against Germany at the 2014 World Cup.

It is not often that one receives such high praise from an individual as gifted as the 28-year-old Argentina star but in an interview with 90 Minutes Extra, the Barcelona player spoke glowingly about Gyan. ‘I like his hard work and dedication to his national team and his clubs.

I’ve watched him play several times and I really like the goal he scored against Germany in Brazil,’ Messi explained. The five-time Ballon D’Or recipient added a final word of praise with regards to the former Udinese, Sunderland and Al Ain player’s ability in front of goal. ‘I might say that, he is one of the greatest goal scorers I have ever seen,’ said the Argentina player. Gyan currently plays his football in China for Shanghai SIPG and is considered one of the best strikers to ever don the Ghana national team shirt.

Responding to Messi’s comments, the Black Stars all-time top goal scorer indicated his joy at hearing that the Argentine great had spoken highly of his commitment in national team shirt in an interview with ESPN. “Yes I heard him. In all honesty, I was excited to hear that a colleague has taken note and admires my level of commitment when I play for my national team”, he revealed.

My commitment on the field of play has never been in doubt. You never know who may be watching you whenever you are playing. People would criticize you whether your performance is good or bad and for Messi to acknowledge me the way he did makes me happy and motivates me to continue doing what I do best because currently he is the best player in the world”, he stressed.

“It is just like me praising someone who may also be playing in the local league. How would a player playing in the local league also feel hearing that I have praised him”? he quizzed. He has scored an astounding 48 goals in 95 appearances for the Black Stars and holds the record for the most goals scored at World Cups by an African, with six strikes to his name.

-TrueAfrica