Asamoah Gyan, a hero in Ghanaian football, has retired at the age of 37.

At a press conference in Accra, Gyan, Ghana's all-time leading scorer with 51 goals, announced his retirement from a career spanning more than 20 years.

The former captain of Ghana competed in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups and represented his nation at seven Africa Cup of Nations competitions, twice making it to the final.

He was an important part of the Ghana team that advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals in 2010, but he missed the penalty against Uruguay in the final minute of extra time after Luis Suarez had been penalized for handling the ball.

“I want to take this great opportunity, a stage that is difficult in every footballer’s career, a moment all footballers do not wish, but when nature dawns, that thin voice will keep echoing into the ears,”

“It is time… that voice has been clear in my ears, and I have succumbed to it, it is time.

“It is time to hang up the jersey and boots in glory as I officially retire from active football ”said Gyan on Tuesday.

The player nicknamed as "Baby Jet" played for a number of European teams, notably Sunderland in the Premier League, Udinese in Serie A, and Rennes in Ligue 1.

As a television pundit, promoter, and advocate for football, Gyan is anticipated to stay involved.