Playing in China is very challenging - Gyan

Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has admitted he has difficulties adjusting to the China Super League but insists he has enjoyed his time there so far.

Gyan scored four times in eight games for Shanghai SPG as they finished second in the Super League but says he wishes he had done much more.

“I started on a high note and everything was going on well and injury slowed me down a bit but at the end of the day we finished second in the league and I think my time in China has been good so far although it’s been a short time. Hopefully I am going to start with the team next season and then we see what happens from there,” Gyan said on his arrival in Accra after the season.

With a new language to learn, new country to adapt to and new teammates to get used to, the challenge for Gyan was getting used his new environment. That wasn’t the biggest problem for Gyan, though.

“Always my job comes first and I think it has been a bit difficult for me in terms of my physical condition because I got to China when I was holidays, when I was not fit although my performance was good I will say a was a bit lucky there. I was scoring goals even when I wasn’t fit but that is not what I want. I want to be hundred percent fit to be able to enjoy the game more so I think it affected my physical condition a bit that is why the injury started coming.”

Gyan says his view about the quality of football in China too has been enhanced.

“The Chinese league is a bit higher than the UAE league, honestly because the fans comes in their numbers to support their teams and you know fans play very, very important role in football so I will say the standard is a bit high.

“They have the facilities, financially they are doing well, you know they try to make sure the players don’t lack anything in terms of football. I am enjoying my football there,” Gyan added.

With the season over, Gyan will switch his attention to helping Ghana reach a fourth straight World Cup.

Gyan has played and scored in all three previous competitions and it keen to be present at his fourth.

The first stage of that the qualification process will involve a home and away tie against Comoros this month.