VIDEO: Asamoah Gyan joining Sunderland was a bit odd-  Darren Bent 

Published on: 15 August 2020

 

Former England and Sunderland striker Darren Bent has disclosed that he was worried when the team signed Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan.

Sunderland coach Steve Bruce signed the Ghana International following his impressive performance for the Black Stars at the 2010 World Cup.

Gyan  scored three goals in the competition and missed Ghana's crucial penalty kick against Uruguay in the quarter-finals which could have sealed the country's first appearance at the semi-final stage.

Bruce smashed the club's record fee in excess of £13m to sign the  Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan from French side Rennes in the summer of 2010.

Bent had enjoyed a good debut season with Sunderland scoring 25 goals in all competition but returned to pre-season with the arrival of Gyan and Danny Welback from Manchester United.

According to him, hearing reports about Asamoah Gyan joining the team in the summer was odd.

"You can't help but think, 'what's going on here?', Bent told Talk Sports on when clubs bring in a competitor for your position.

"I wouldn't say it was an issue, but when I was at Sunderland I had a very, very good season. I scored loads of goals.

"And then I missed out on the World Cup that summer and Asamoah Gyan was fantastic for Ghana that summer.

"I remember reading the paper one day, maybe I was at home or on holiday, and it said, 'Sunderland have been linked with Asamoah Gyan', and I thought that's a bit odd.

"Next thing I know, I return to pre-season a little later, and Gyan walks in the building... Danny Welbeck walks in the building...

"I'm thinking, 'What is going on here!?' I stayed, but only until January."

Asked what his initial reaction was, and if he was sizing Gyan up after his arrival, Bent continued: "Of course. That's what you do.

"You start looking in training and thinking about what is he good at? What can he do, what can he not do so well?

"Ultimately, in the position I play in it's just about scoring more goals than them. That's the way I thought about."

Gyan left Sunderland in September 2011  just after a season to join UAE side Al-Ain.

Watch the video below:

 

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