Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is surprised by Asamoah Gyan’s decision to leave Wearside to sign for United Arab Emirates club Al Ain, and has stated that the striker has no future at the club.
Speculation has shrouded the African frontman’s future over the last month despite The Black Cats’ lack of attacking options, and Bruce has revealed that Gyan went back on his word.
“I had a conversation with him 48 hours ago and he assured me, he shook my hand, that he wanted to be a Sunderland player, wanted to see the season, wanted to go the African Nations again in good form, wanted to work on his fitness levels then all of a sudden within a few hours it seems things have changed,” he told Sky Sports after his side’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.
Bruce was astonished by Gyan’s decision to leave, especially given his destination and has admitted the forward is not welcome back to the Stadium of Light.
“Other people can make their own conclusions. You leave the biggest and best league in the world to go play in the United Arab Emirates. I’m sorry but sometimes football, sometimes it’s baffling to say the least. Very disappointed in the timing of it, the whole thing has left a bad taste if I’m being honest.
“I don’t believe he’s got a future here, I don’t think he can. You can’t leave this club and want to leave and want to go the United Arab Emirates and we’re going to welcome you back with open arms, I can’t see it but you never know,” he continued.
The news is a blow for Sunderland, especially after their defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, with Bruce not happy with his defence.
“They (Chelsea) were excellent in possession of the ball. We found it very difficult to get after them, which we did and we did valiantly to keep at it and stick at it, but when we got it we gave it away too cheaply.
“For all that good possession that they had, they haven’t really carved us open, they don’t have to do much for both goals really so that’s disappointing,” he concluded.
Sunderland’s next game is against Stoke at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, and with only two points from four games so far this term the home fans will be keen to see their side get a win.
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