Gyan’s football decision baffling but… – Sunderland Chairman

Chairman of Sunderland Niall Quinn says he finds Ghanaian international Asamoah Gyan’s decision to join United Arab Emirates (UAE) side Al-Ain on loan for a year as baffling.

Sunderland loaned Gyan to Al-Ain last week for a fee of £6 million which will make the player receive a mega-money of $200,000 a week, according to the Daily Mail of UK.

According to Mr Quinn, it was unfortunate word of the deal came out ahead of the club’s game against Chelsea and that coach Steve Bruce’s frustrations towards Gyan minutes after the Chelsea game were “understandable”.

“Steve Bruce, our owner and the Board all found the football decision that Asamoah wished to make baffling but I as chairman, with everyone’s full support, decided that this deal was in the best interests of our football club,” Quinn told the club’s website in an exclusive interview today September 12, 2011 to clarify the details behind Asamoah Gyan’s loan move to UAE side Al-Ain.

“I’ve heard and read all sorts of nonsense over the last few days and it’s important that our fans are in possession of the full facts on this, not hearsay, rumour and media speculation,” Quinn said.

According to the Chairman, Sunderland will open its doors for Gyan upon his retun if he convinces stakeholders of the team.

“The olive branch is now there for Asamoah, but he will need to convince Steve, the Board and every Sunderland fan of his commitment to this club if he is to return.”

He noted that after small problem, “Asamoah and Steve have made contact and they are on good terms.”

Quinn admitted that he and chief executive Margaret Byrne “In the early hours of Saturday morning agreed a loan deal to allow Asamoah his wish to move but that would also, and more importantly, protect the club should things not work out for the player.”

He outlined the following factors that led to the loan deal:

·    The players’ obviously negative demeanor in and around the training ground
·    The fact that the transfer window in the UAE had over 50 days remaining, meaning this was unlikely to go away.
·    The clear desire of the player to leave.
·    The forthcoming African Nations Cup, which would have meant losing Asamoah for up to six weeks in the New Year.
·    The obvious economic benefits to our club in the terms of the final deal laid out to us.

However Asamoah has been outdoored at his new club and handed his favourite number 3 jersey.

By Ekow Quandzie