I have forgiven Luis Suarez, says ex-Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan

Former Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan has spoken openly about the 2010 World Cup quarterfinal against Uruguay, saying he holds no grudges against Luis Suarez for the controversial handball that shaped the match.

Gyan was at the center of one of the tournament’s most dramatic moments. With the score tied 1-1 in the dying minutes, Suarez blocked a header from Dominic Adiyah on the goal line.

The Uruguayan was sent off, and Ghana earned a penalty—but Gyan’s attempt struck the crossbar. After extra time, the game went to a shootout, where Ghana lost 4-2, falling just short of a historic semifinal appearance.

In an interview with Rio Ferdinand, Gyan reflected on Suarez’s actions: “I always say I would have done the same thing that Luis Suarez did because he did that to save his nation. Seeing the ball going into your net at that crucial moment, he just did that to save his nation, but I have forgiven him.”

Ghana’s 2010 campaign remains iconic, having advanced from a group containing Serbia, Australia, and Germany, before defeating the USA 2-1 in extra time in the Round of 16.

This summer, the Black Stars return to the World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Drawn in Group L with Panama, England, and Croatia, Ghana will open against Panama on June 17, face England on June 23, and conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27.

After group-stage exits in 2014 and 2022, Ghana will be aiming to make a deeper run in North America.