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Soccer News of Friday, 23 September 2011

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Gyan's Settlement Package For Five-Year Old Fan

On loan Al Ain striker from English Premier League side Sunderland, Asamoah Gyan has offered to meet the five-year-old fan who got his name on his Sunderland top just days before the Black Stars forward left the club.

On Wednesday, it was reported that, Billy Ellison, a five-year-old fan who begged his dad to get his favourite player’s name on the back of his Sunderland shirt despite the father’s initial refusal due to constant rumours about Gyan’s possible departure has since been furious by the news of his move to the United Arab Emirates side Al-Ain.

Gyan on hearing the news has promised to make it up to little Billy whenever he jets into the United Kingdom and this meet up could possibly happen in the coming weeks as the striker, barring injury will turn up for Ghana’s friendly with Nigeria on October 11 at Watford’s Vicarage Road stadium.

Gyan wrote on his official Twitter page, @ASAMOAH_GYAN: “To Billy re, sunderland echo, I will be back at SAFC very soon and whenever I’m in da Uk, I will sign ur top 4 u.

“Pls don’t be upset. God bless.”

He further tweeted that someone should put Carl Ellison in touch with his management so that Billy can get his signed shirt.

“If anyone knows Billy's dad please get them to contact @Dentaa_show so I can arrange something 4 him! Thank u.”

“Don’t want to see any child upset over me. I have a child so I know what its like,” Gyan added.

Apparently, Billy’s parents Kristy and Carl Ellison have confirmed they have been contacted by Gyan’s management and have been invited to meet their son’s hero at Ghana’s friendly with Nigeria next month.

Billy’s mum Kirsty, 30, told Sunderland Echo: “His manager rang last night and she said he wants Billy to go to Ghana’s game with Nigeria. She said he’ll take time out to see Billy and sign his shirt and also give him a signed Ghana shirt. Billy is dead excited. He’s over the moon and it’s brilliant.”

Carl Ellison, the 33-year-old father of little Billy has lauded Asamoah Gyan’s gesture to appease his son.

“I think it’s a nice thing for him to do. My argument was more with the football club rather than Gyan. But for your modern footballer to get in touch like this is quite refreshing.

The guy has had so much bad press over the move. Billy’s probably going to have to learn that footballers do move on all the time,” Carl added.