Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan has declared huge admiration for Ivorian striker, Sebastian Haller following a statement the latter made in 2021, affirming his readiness to always pick his country over his club, especially when it comes to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Haller earned Asamoah Gyan’s respect and love after he called out a reporter for quizzing if he would be playing at the AFCON which was then going to be held in Cameroon.
Haller who was then with Ajax in 2021 made the statement, slamming a journalist for a question he deemed to be disrespectful to the AFCON and Africans.
“This question shows the disrespect for Africa,” he told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.
“Would this question ever get put to a European player ahead of the Euros? Of course, I am going to the AFCON.”
In the build-up to the next edition of the AFCON which will be held in Ivory Coast – Haller’s country, the famous quote popped up again on X (Twitter) echoing the issues the tournament has encountered.
Gyan was quick to reply to the quote saying “I’m a fan now” underscoring his love for the tournament and whoever prioritises it.
Gyan who hung his boots earlier this year was a regular AFCON player for the Black Stars between 2008 and 2017.
I’m a fan now 💪🏿💪🏿
— ASAMOAH GYAN (@ASAMOAH_GYAN3) December 1, 2023
Haller will likely be part of the Ivorian squad for the 2023 AFCON which will be held in the country from 13 January to 11 February 2024.
Meanwhile CEO for Bayer Leverkusen Fernando Carro has also raised concerns about the timing of the competition as he is likely to miss key players to the tournament at a crucial moment.
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