Gyan rules out Wearside return

Asamoah Gyan has played down suggestions that he will be lured back to the Premier League in the January transfer window.

Despite his admiration for new Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill, Gyan is happy with his loan deal arrangement with UAE club Al Ain.

Although the Ghana international remains coy over his future, he has ruled out a return to the Stadium of Light next month, despite O'Neill saying he would explore the possibility.

In an exclusive interview with Goal.com as he prepared for the launch of his charity, The Asamoah Gyan Foundation, the striker said: "For now I can't really say anything about Sunderland. I am on loan for a year so we will have to see what happens at the end of the season."

"Will I come back to Sunderland at the end of this season? For now I don't want to talk about my situation because I am currently on loan and I am doing well. So let’s see where my future lies after my loan deal."

Gyan became Sunderland's record 13 million pounds signing when he headed to Wearside last year from French side Rennes, but he has not ruled out a Premier League comeback in the longer term.

"I miss the Premier League because it is the best league in the world so I have a lot of respect for it. I am not the only player that has left the Premier League but I do miss the Premier League and watch it and the Champions League on television when I can," Gyan said.

"It is a great league and who knows what will happen in the future. But what I have to say is that I am enjoying my football at the moment. I don't know, let's see what happens at the end of my current deal."

In the shorter term he is certain that struggling Sunderland are in good hands with O'Neill as the club faces a fight against relegation, but expressed sadness over the sacking of Steve Bruce to make way for him.

"I know all about Martin O'Neill. I remember him from when he was at Aston Villa and they did very well when he was there," Gyan said.

"He is a good manager and everyone speaks well about him."

"From what I have seen he is good manager and I sure that he will help Sunderland climb the table. I wish him well and I think that everything will be fine."

"Steve Bruce brought me to Sunderland and the club paid 13 million pounds for me and everything was all right."

"I felt sad that he lost his job but that is part of the job for every manager. And life goes on."

"Managers move around between clubs all the time. I hope he gets a club to manage and I wish him well in whatever he does."

"He is a good man and a good manager and I am sure we will meet up again one day."