)
That’s the question asked by Ghanaian sports journalist Owuraku Ampofo which has attracted many reactions, including one from Ghana’s all-time leading goal scorer Asamoah Gyan who just announced his retirement just a few days ago.
If you were Thomas Partey, what would you choose to stay in Europe and play at the highest level or make $200M in Saudi Arabia?
That’s the question asked by Ghanaian sports journalist Owuraku Ampofo which has attracted many reactions, including one from Ghana’s all-time leading goal scorer Asamoah Gyan who just announced his retirement just a few days ago.
)
The 37-year-old’s response was a zipper mouth face emoji, used when secrets and promises are to be kept among only a certain number of people or lips sealed.
However, many tweeps responded to Gyan, insisting he supports Partey choosing oil money over Europe like he did during his playing days.
The 30-year-old Ghana assistant captain, currently on the books of English Premier League top side Arsenal, has been offered $200M in wages by Saudi Pro League clubs.
Partey would earn $100m per annum over the two years, tax-free, with Al Ahli, Al Nassr and Al Khaleej are some of the clubs that are hot on the heels of the former Atletico Madrid combative midfielder.
What did Gyan Do?
To understand the story, we go back to the aftermath of Ghana’s elimination from the 2010 FIFA World Cup; at the time, Gyan was nursing heartbreak after he missed a penalty against Uruguay that could have sent his side to the semifinals of the World Cup for the first time.
)
Sunderland U-Turn
Baby Jet arrived at Sunderland for 13m pounds on a four year deal to replace Darren Bent, replacing him as the club’s most expensive signing, but he left after just 13 months, joining UAE’s Al Ain FC on loan.
Steve Bruce, then Sunderland manager, termed him ‘greedy; he later moved permanently, spending four years in the UAE.
)
Gyan left in 2015 for another big-money move, joining Chinese Super Lige side Shanghai SIPG where he reportedly raked in excess of $250k per week.
He returned to the UAE playing for Al Ahli and also featured for Kayserispor in Turkey.
)
In 2011, during an interview at a PUMA event, Gyan confessed that he left Sunderland for the money but appreciated Steve Bruce for supporting him in making the decision.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)