Ex-Sunderland forward Asamoah Gyan has revealed playing through injury at the 2008 African Cup of Nations caused his transfer to Manchester City to collapse.
At the time, Gyan featured for Serie A side Udinese scored just three goals in 13 appearances during his final season in Italy.
Gyan was selected in the Ghana squad but the Black Stars underperformed on home soil with the forward scoring just once - a penalty in the opening group game against Guinea.
The forward revealed that he played through injury to represent his country which saw him sidelined for five months after the tournament was over.
Gyan regrets his decision as he claims it scuppered a transfer to Manchester City.
"I regret playing at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations because I was injured but I felt I needed to sacrifice but yet I was criticised [for my performance],” he told told GTV Sports+.
"I really regret playing in the tournament because even after that I had to go out for five months.
"I was supposed to sign for Manchester City but I missed.
"That has been one of my biggest regrets with the national team.”
Gyan eventually joined Rennes and impressed in Ligue 1 to earn a move to Sunderland in 2010.
He netted 10 goals in 31 appearances for the Black Cats before completing a switch to Al-Ain.
