Ghana’s legendary striker Asamoah Gyan held a star-studded event on Saturday night to launch his book ‘LeGyandary,’ which details his life and illustrious football career.
President Nana Akufo-Addo, Members of Parliament, Ministers, Diplomats, business leaders, 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 event’s special guest of honour, officially launched the book. An emotional Gyan expressed gratitude for the support he received while writing the memoirs and during 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.
Also, the former Sunderland man 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 Asamoah Gyan to “use his experiences to promote Ghana” and named him an ambassador for the government’s “Beyond the Return” program.
“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 launch, special editions of the books were auctioned off.
The first two copies were purchased for GHS100,000 each by the event’s Chairman, Ernest Ofori Sarpong, and Kennedy Agyapong, 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 in attendance.
