Gyan Signing Excites Al Ain Boss

Al  Ain chief executive Carlo Nohra says the permanent deal to sign Asamoah Gyan is a ‘landmark event’ for UAE football.

The 26-year-old Ghanaian striker penned a four-year permanent deal with Al Ain this month having fired the club to the 2011/12 Pro-League title with a competition-high 22 goals after joining them on loan from Sunderland.

Nohra said the signing proved the attraction of UAE’s top flight for players in their ‘prime’, despite having a reputation for signing ageing former big-name stars.

“It’s definitely a landmark event,” Nohra told Tidesports source.

“Asamoah will be instrumental in attracting other players to the UAE because he has proven that if you are of his calibre you can come to the Emirates, join a very big club and as a football player be satisfied besides being satisfied as a human being.

“It proves that if you are in your prime you can still come here, make a very good living, enjoy yourself in a beautiful country but, most importantly for a footballer, play football to a very high standard.

“And it speaks a lot for the club and the values we have. Hopefully he’ll be a shining example for other players to consider coming here.”