Ghana’s legendary striker Asamoah Gyan held a star-studded event on Saturday night to launch his autobiography LeGyandary, which recounts his life and illustrious football career.
President Nana Akufo-Addo, government ministers, diplomats, business leaders, MPs, a number of the country’s former and current footballers, and fans of the former Black Stars captain attended the launch, which took place at the plush Kempinski Hotel in Accra.
The president, who was the special guest of honour at the event, officially launched the book.
An emotional Gyan expressed gratitude for the support he received while writing the memoirs and preparing the launch.
“I didn’t expect this level of appreciation. I’m overwhelmed by the love shown,” he said.
Gyan was especially effusive in his praise for his 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.
The former Sunderland man also expressed the desire for future generations to be inspired by his life experience, which is set out in LeGyandary.
Speaking on behalf of President Akufo-Addo, the Minister of Tourism, Ibrahim Awal, urged Asamoah Gyan to “use his experiences to promote Ghana” and named him an ambassador for the government’s “Beyond the Return” programme.
“It’s important to revere the dead but it’s even more important to celebrate the living,” Dr Awal added, and praised Gyan for having a stellar career.
The football delegation to the event was led by the president of the Ghana Football Association, 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,” Okraku 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 launch, a special edition of the memoirs was auctioned.
The first two copies were bought for GHC100,000 each by the chairman for the event, Ernest Ofori Sarpong, and Kennedy Agyapong, the MP for Assin Central.
Abedi Pele, Emmanuel Adebayor, El Hadji Diouf, Stephen Appiah, Samuel Osei Kuffour and Anthony Baffoe were among the African football stars present at the launch.
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