Legendary Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan on Saturday, April 30 hosted a star-studded event to launch his much-anticipated book titled ‘LeGyandary’.
The event was held at Accra’s plush Kempinski Hotel, with President Nana Akufo-Addo among the dignitaries in attendance to support Gyan, Ghana’s all-time top scorer with 51 goals in a record 107 appearances.
Former Ghanaian and African footballers present included Emmanuel Adebayor, El Hadji Diouf, the maestro Abedi Pele, Stephen Appiah, Samuel Osei Kuffour, Derek Boateng, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Fatau Dauda, Yussif Chibsah, Augustine Arhinful, and Anthony Baffoe.
The book was officially launched by President Akufo-Addo, who was the special guest of honour.
Gyan was overcome with emotion while speaking at the event. He expressed his appreciation for the immense support.
“I didn’t expect this level of appreciation. I’m overwhelmed by the love shown,” he said.
The former Sunderland praised his senior brother Baffour Gyan, whom he referred to as “the key to his success.”
“When I started, no one knew who Asamoah Gyan was. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my brother. He’s the one behind my success,” Asamoah Gyan added.
Gyan also expressed his desire for future generations to be inspired by his experiences, which are detailed in ‘LeGyandary.’
Speaking on behalf of the President, Tourism Minister Dr Ibrahim Awal urged Gyan to “use his experiences to promote Ghana” and named him an ambassador for the government’s “Beyond the Return” campaign.
“It’s important to revere the dead but it’s even more important to celebrate the living,” he added while praising Gyan for his esteemed career.
The football delegation to the event was led by Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku, who described Gyan as “uniquely unique” and praised him for his service to the country.
“Thank you for your service and the life you brought to Ghana. Baby Jet has, at all times, sacrificed to ensure our country is great and strong,” he said.
“You brought life and hope to people. To be a legend is not easy and keeping that legendary status is also difficult. Baby Jet has [shown us the way].”
Following the book’s launch, special editions were auctioned off.
The event’s Chairman, Ernest Ofori Sarpong, and Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong each paid GHS100,000 for the first two copies.
Source: 3news.com|Ghana
