Former Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan has shared a memorable conversation with Michael Essien ahead of his move to Sunderland.
After a standout performance at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Gyan joined the Premier League side from French club Stade Rennais in a club-record transfer.
Reflecting on that period, he revealed that Essien, then at Chelsea, had called to discuss the possibility of him moving to England.
“I remember Michael Essien, my national teammate, calling to ask if I was coming to the Premier League. I jokingly told him I was going to score against Chelsea, and we all laughed. He wished me the best, and I ended up scoring against Chelsea,” Gyan told Rio Ferdinand.
Gyan made an immediate impact at Sunderland, scoring on his debut against Wigan Athletic on 11 September 2010 after coming on for Danny Welbeck in a 1-1 draw.
He went on to make 34 appearances for the Black Cats, netting 10 goals, before moving to UAE side Al Ain, initially on loan, with the deal later made permanent.
