Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has opened up about a memorable conversation he had with Michael Essien ahead of his move to Premier League side Sunderland.

Following his impressive displays at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Gyan secured a club-record transfer from

French outfit Stade Rennais to Sunderland. Reflecting on that period, the prolific striker revealed that his Black Stars teammate Essien, who was then playing for Chelsea, reached out to him as speculation about a Premier League move intensified.

“I remember Michael Essien calling me to ask if I was coming to the Premier League,” Gyan recalled in an interview with Rio Ferdinand. “I jokingly told him I was going to score against Chelsea, and we all laughed. He wished me well — and I actually did score against Chelsea.”

Gyan wasted no time making his mark at Sunderland, scoring on his debut against Wigan Athletic on 11 September 2010 after coming on as a substitute for Danny Welbeck in a 1-1 draw.

During his time with the Black Cats, Gyan made 34 appearances and scored 10 goals before leaving for UAE side Al Ain, initially on loan, a move that was later made permanent.