By Our Correspondent

Ghana football legend, Asamoah Gyan has announced his retirement from football.

Gyan, 37 and all-time top scorer with 51 goals for the Black Stars anoounced his retirement at a press conference in Accra.

“I want to take this great opportunity, a stage that is difficult in every footballer’s career, a moment all footballers do not wish, but when nature dawns, that thin voice will keep echoing into the ears,” said Gyan on Tuesday.

“It is time… that voice has been clear in my ears, and I have succumbed to it, it is time.

“It is time to hang up the jersey and boots in glory as I officially retire from active football.”

The 2010 BBC African Footballer of the Year made his international debut in 2003 as a 17-year-old, coming on as a substitute in a World Cup qualifier against Somalia. He made his final appearance for the Black Stars in 2019.

He played in seven Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, helping Ghana finish third in 2008 and as runners-up in the 2010 and 2015 editions.

The Confederation of African Football described him as “an absolute legend of the game” and “one of the best to ever do it”.

Gyan is the all-time leading goalscorer of the Ghana national team, with 51 goals. He represented Ghana at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups. With 6 goals, he is the top African goalscorer in the history of the World Cup. Gyan has also represented Ghana at the 2004 Summer Olympics. A pivotal member of the Ghana side that reached the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals – he missed the penalty in the last minute of extra-time against Uruguay after Luis Suarez had been sent off for handling a goal bound effort.

Ironically Gyan converted his penalty in the shoot-out which Ghana lost 4-2.

“Baby Jet” as he was known played for several European clubs including Sunderland in the Premier League, Udinese in Serie A as well as Rennes in Ligue 1.

Gyan is expected to remain in football as a television pundit, promoter and ambassador.

“It’s been echoing in my mind for the last year and a half. Sometimes people would ask me, ‘Have you retired?’ I still think I have something to offer but I have been contemplating it and I want to use this platform to tell everybody that it’s time.”

After an initial pause, the audience then rose to give a standing ovation.

But Gyan’s Twitter post made it clear that he will not be leaving football entirely.

“I will put my experience and knowledge to use in the field of coaching, football business and scouting,” he wrote.