Ghana hopes Gyan reconsiders

The 26-year-old Sunderland striker, currently on loan at Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates, is unhappy at the 'verbal abuse' that came his way during the recent African Cup of Nations.

"The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has received a letter from striker Asamoah Gyan announcing his decision to take a temporary break from the Black Stars," read a statement on www.ghanafa.org

"Mr Gyan is frustrated over the verbal abuse he has received since playing for the country at the 2012 African Nations Cup.

"The GFA is in talks with Mr Gyan to urge him to reconsider his decision."

Gyan missed an early penalty, and a host of other chances, as eventual winner Zambia edged Ghana 1-0 earlier this month in the Cup of Nations semi-finals.

He also missed a crucial spot-kick in the dying seconds of extra-time in Ghana's 2010 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Uruguay, with the South Americans going on to advance in the shootout.