Gyan: Sunderland exit not about money

Sunderland's on loan striker Asamoah Gyan has not made the move to Middle Eastern side Al-Ain for money, insisting that he was more attracted to the prospect of playing in a different country.

Gyan had been linked with a move from Sunderland for several weeks, but in a last minute twist joined Al-Ain instead of Galatasaray.

Gyan revealed: “I’m still a player of Sunderland,” he said. “I didn’t have any confrontation with anyone. We are still all right. I was cool with the manager.

“People say I moved because of money.

“You need to be happy – although I’m not saying I wasn’t happy at Sunderland or I wasn’t happy in the Premier League.

“I had to decide with my family and everything, and they were all right with my decision, so I had to just move.

“It helped myself and Sunderland as well.

“Although I’m still a player of Sunderland. I came on loan, so I’ll see how my future lies as Al Ain is an important club in Asia. I’m really, really happy to be here.”