Asamoah Gyan wants to help bring World Cup to region
Sep 25 2010 by Adam Jupp, The Journal
HE lit up this summer’s World Cup with his skills, now he wants to help bring the tournament to the North East.
Asamoah Gyan became Sunderland’s record signing on the back of netting three goals for Ghana at the finals in South Africa.
England is bidding to stage the World Cup in either 2018 or 2022 and, if successful, games would be played on both Tyneside and Wearside.
A final decision from FIFA is due in early December and Gyan, who has netted two goals already for the Black Cats, says he has been overwhelmed by the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light.
He said: “I am very happy to support England’s 2018 World Cup bid. Even though I have only just arrived in Sunderland, it has always been my dream to play in England and the great stadiums and passion of the fans would definitely create a magical tournament.
“When Darren Bent equalised against Arsenal I hadn’t heard anything like it before, I thought the roof would come off the Stadium of Light.
“Having played in two World Cups for Ghana I know exactly what the competition is about and I believe England has got what it takes to host an incredible World Cup.”
Gyan gave his backing to England’s 2018 bid after taking part in a special photo-shoot involving the entire Sunderland first-team squad, during which they held aloft cards and scarves.
Cats manager Steve Bruce, said: “If England is given the honour of hosting the 2018 World Cup it would be amazing for the tournament to come to Sunderland and the Stadium of Light.
“The people of Sunderland are hugely passionate about their football and I have no doubt they would help to make a World Cup in England a really special event.”
More than two million people from more than 100 countries worldwide have already shown their support for England, backing the bid online and by text message. People can continue to show their support for the England 2018 bid by texting “England” to 62018 or by visiting www.england2018bid.com
It is estimated hosting games in the region would give the North East economy a £58m cash boost.
