Black Cats star leaves for temporary move.
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Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan has signed for United Arab Emirates side Al-Ain on loan.
The Ghanaian joined Sunderland from French club Rennes in August 2010 for £13m.
But on Friday, Sunderland boss Steve Bruce claimed “parasites” turned Gyan’s head after his goal in the 1-1 draw with England at Wembley in March.
And on Saturday it was announced that the striker, 25, was on his way to the UAE.
Bruce said: “Anyone who has seen Asamoah play will know that he hasn’t been himself in recent months. This option suits all parties at the present time and the club is well-protected in the deal.
“Asamoah has three years remaining on his contract and of course my wish would be that he finds his spark again and we see him in red and white stripes next season in the form that first attracted us to him.”
Throughout the transfer window, Gyan was linked with a move to a big European club.
On Friday Bruce blamed agents for turning Gyan’s head.
SOURCE: BBC Sport
Sunderland had appeared to pull off quite a coup to snap up Asamoah Gyan after he has performed admirably at the 2010 World Cup but it appears that Ghana striker has been more of a headache than a success at the Stadium of Light. The former Rennes man netted 10 times in 31 appearances in the Premier league last term but has failed to score this season and that has led to Steve Bruce bringing in Nicklas Bendtner on loan that has paved the way for the 25 year old to leave.
It may well be that Gyan does not return to the North-East and Bruce will be hoping he can recoup some of the £13m that was forked out for the hit and miss front man.
Al-Ain finished tenth last term and will hope that Gyan can help the club to their first domestic title in seven years, after they have won three on the trot. Former Ghanaian legend Abedi Pele has also played for the United Arab Emirates side.