Ghana's football association announced on Wednesday that striker Asamoah Gyan decided to return to the Black Stars after taking a five-month break from international football. The Al-Ain striker sent a letter to the GFA saying he is available to play with the Black Stars "with immediate effect". "Following my letter on 16th February 2012,I wish to inform you that I am now ready to be selected for my National Team of Ghana," Gyan said in the letter to the GFA. "The past five months have given me an opportunity to reflect. "My friends, family and the “football family of Ghana” have been incredibly supportive, and it is with their help that I have reached the decision to return to international duty. "I am fully committed and focused on our clear goals ahead as a nation on the quest for qualification for both AFCON 2013 and the World Cup in 2014." The 26-year-old striker expressed his frustration at missing two crucial penalties while playing for Ghana at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations and consequently decided to retire from international football. GFA president Kwesi Nyantakyi said he was delighted with Gyan's decision, calling on fans to support the players who are enduring hard times. "The GFA wants to thank Asamoah Gyan for taking this decision and this shows once again that he is fully committed to his country," Nyantakyi told the GFA website. "We thank his family and friends who also helped to encourage him in his difficult times. "I want to use this opportunity to plead with our fans to support our players in their difficult times rather than condemning them. "These players have brought good times for the country in the past and when things go wrong let's encourage them to bring out the best in them." (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports)
