Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan has shared a candid reflection on Luis Suarez’s infamous handball during the 2010 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal between Ghana and Uruguay.

In an interview, Gyan offered a pragmatic view of the controversial moment, insisting Suarez was simply acting in the best interest of his country.

“For me, as a footballer, I understand. He did what he had to do to save his country. He cheated, yes, but he became a hero,” Gyan said.

The incident, which denied Ghana a last-gasp winning goal, remains one of the most painful moments in African football history. Suarez was sent off for the deliberate handball, but Gyan missed the resulting penalty — a moment that still haunts the former Sunderland striker.

“That is what hurts the most. It’s not about Suarez anymore; it’s about the fact that I didn’t finish the job. It’s something I will live with for the rest of my life,” Gyan admitted, mixing humour with regret. He revealed that he had scored 20 penalties in training the day before the match, making the miss even harder to accept.

Despite the controversy, Gyan expressed respect for Suarez’s mindset, acknowledging the ruthless reality of elite football.

“As players, we do what it takes to win. I respect him for that. I just wish I’d done better,” he added.

Uruguay eventually won the tie in a penalty shootout, and the match continues to stir debate and emotion in Ghana more than a decade later.