I am Not Motivated By Money - Asamoah Gyan

Ghana Black skipper Asamoah Gyan has rubbished claims that his surprise decision to move to Chinese outfit Shanghai SIPG is motivated by the huge financial inducements placed before him.

“The truth is I was looking for a new challenge with the Shanghai team and the money was not the primary motivation in my departure to the Chinese Super League,” he told a press conference. “I hope that I am successful in the new challenge as we have already succeeded with Al Ain,” he added.

The Black Stars striker joined Shanghai SIPG in a reported fee of €20 million on Wednesday and watched his new team defeat Guanghou R&F 2-1 in the Chinesa FA Cup match.

Gyan, who left the English Premier League to the Gulf league was criticised for preferring money to competitive football, when Al Ain paid a record of £6 million for his services on loan.

The former Sunderland striker moved to Shanghai SIPG from Al Ain has been met with similar criticisms as he is reported to earn a weekly wage of £227,000.00, 8th highest paid player in the world. But Gyan insists his latest move to China is to try new grounds not because of money.

 “It is my ambition to win the Chinese Super League with Shanghai so I will show my best there …”

Gyan helped Al Ain win three league titles in four years, scoring a staggering 114 goals over the same period.