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Soccer News of Monday, 25 March 2013

Source: Joy Sports

I am still the captain - Gyan

Al Ain and Black Stars striker Asamoah Gyan says he is still the substantive captain of the Black Stars despite relinquishing the captaincy to Sulley Muntari in Sunday’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Sudan.

Gyan was named captain of the Black Stars ahead of the Nations Cup in South Africa, interestingly when the Stars walked onto the pitch from the dug-out for the game against Sudan it was Sulley Muntari who was leading the team.

The switch had lots of journalists talking and asking whether the leader of the team had changed hands.

Speculations were rife that Gyan may have given out the captain’s role to Muntari out of respect to the AC Milan star who is one of the Senior players in the team.

After a scintillating performance which saw the Black Stars run over Sudan by 4-0, Gyan had to clear the doubts over who is the captain of the Black Stars.

He told journalists he is still the captain but had to give out the role to Muntari who was in the Black Stars before he came.

“Sulley is one of the senior players in the team. I was appointed as the captain when he wasn’t around. He came to join the team and I have to show him some respect. He came to the National team before I came. But I am the captain of the team.

“Today I was a bit superstitious to just give the captain to him,” he said.

He added there is an understanding between he and Sulley as to who will captain the team at any given time," he said.

Citing examples in Barcelona and Manchester United, where the captain's arm band is rotated somewhat, Gyan said the issue about captaincy should not be allowed to create any confusion in the team.

Coach Kwasi Appiah appears to be in support of the arrangement between Gyan and Sulley.

He told journalists at the press conference, being a captain means little, it is the commitment to die for the country.

He said he is happy the two most senior players in the team understand each other and that will be crucial in guiding the young team and helping to build a formidable team for the future.