The forward, who has become a cult figure in the Gulf Region, believes the award favours players in Europe more than those in less fancied leagues
Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan is furious over his exclusion from the final shortlist for the Africa Player of the Year 2014.
The Al Ain goal poacher believes he has achieved more than necessary to make the cut and to even win the coveted individual prize of the continent.
“I think the fans and everybody on the continent know what I did in 2014,” the former Sunderland forward told Ghanasoccernet.com. “I think in 2014, I deserve the award.”
The 29-year-old Ghana captain outlined his feat for the year under review and feels the trio who made the final roster – Yaya Toure, Pierre Emerick Aubamayeng and Vincent Enyeama – do not deserve it.
He opined: “Talking about my achievements at the World Cup, talking about the qualifiers to the World Cup, talking about club level and the Asian Champions League, I think everything went well for me and I was able to prove myself.
“What I want to ask Caf is that what do I do or what does a player have to do to win the award? Because in the past we all know some players who deserved it, but didn’t get it. For me I don’t think it is fair.”
“What I call it is African Best Players playing in top teams in Europe,” he added. “I feel like if an African player is doing everything right who deserve an award and he is not playing at a bigger club that means the player is not eligible to win it. That is what I see.”
“I always talk about [Mohammed] Aboutrika. Aboutrika when he was in his prime, he did everything for Egypt – club level, national team level – he comes to African Cups; he wins it but he didn’t get it.
“I always make an example with that guy and I think it’s not fair because he played in Africa. I was denied in 2010 which I think I should have won it and once again it has happened again. With all due respect to Roger Milla – he is a legend- if he set a record in 1990 and he was able to win African Footballer of the Year in that year and then a player comes and breaks the record that should be automatic,” the former Rennes striker pointed out.
“An African country went to the World Cup, and an African player broke a record. If you mention all-time leading African scorers in the history of the World Cup then it is going to be me.
“So if I represent Africa and then I do other things right and I don’t get it then the question I want to ask is that what else can I do to win it? Or I have to play at a bigger club in Europe? I think that is the only chance I have got to win it.”
Source: Goal
