Asamoah Gyan reveals how Tony Yeboah inspired his Premier League dream

Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan has revealed that watching compatriot Tony Yeboah's spectacular goals in the English Premier League was the pivotal inspiration that fuelled his own ambition to play in England's top division.

Gyan, Ghana's all-time leading goalscorer, fulfilled that dream when he signed for Sunderland in 2010 for a club-record £13 million following his standout performances at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

However, the journey began years earlier, with Yeboah's iconic strikes for Leeds United leaving an indelible mark on a young Gyan.

"It has always been my dream to play in the Premier League. Watching Tony Yeboah, I said to myself that I want to play in the Premier League, so my mind was made up," Gyan said in a recent interview.

Tony Yeboah, who played for Leeds United from 1995 to 1997, became a cult hero in England for his powerful shooting and spectacular goals, including a famous strike against Wimbledon that was voted Goal of the Season.

His success is widely credited with opening the door and igniting the Premier League dream for a generation of Ghanaian players, including Gyan.

When the opportunity finally arrived after the 2010 World Cup, Gyan did not hesitate. "I had the option to stay at Stade Rennais, but I told them this is my time to go to the Premier League," he recounted. His conviction paid immediate dividends as he scored on his debut for Sunderland against Wigan Athletic, cementing his place in the team's history.

"Coming in, I was ready to deliver, and on my debut, I scored, and everything started getting better," Gyan added. He went on to score 10 goals in 34 appearances for Sunderland over a season and a half before departing for a new chapter with Al Ain.