I am not fit to play for the Black Stars – Asamoah Gyan

Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan has indicated that he is not physically fit to play for the team any time soon although many have called for his inclusion in Ghana’s squad for this year’s World Cup in Qatar.

According to the former Sunderland striker, he would have to work hard to be physically fit to play competitive football.

The former Al-Ain striker who is currently unattached to any club after leaving Ghana Premier League side Legon Cities believes he has to earn a call-up on merit and not based on his past achievements for the national team.

“Since I haven’t retired, I think I have to earn the call-up. I have to train and play actively for a club and also perform so that I can get the call-up”, Gyan said in an interview on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo show.

“For me, I think earning the call-up shouldn’t be about the number of goals I have scored in the past. I have to be fit, playing actively for a team before I accept the call-up”.

The 36-year-old added he would have to be mentally and physically ready for him to return to the Black Stars for the 2022 World Cup.

“It is possible looking at the Roger Milla and what happened, but the most important thing is I think it will all depend on me. I have to be fit physically, I think I am naturally gifted and I can do anything on the field but physically I don’t think I am ready.

“I am not fit to play and have to lose some weight, have to be in the right shape to play competitive football but now am not”, he added.

Gyan has played in three World Cups from 2006, 2010, and 2014 and currently holds the record as the top-scoring African at the competition.