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The Ghana international suffered defeat in the semi-final at the Africa Cup of Nations but is pleased to be back in the UAE where he can help the club that has given him so much

Al Ain striker Asamoah Gyan has expressed his gratitude to the club’s fans following his return to the UAE after the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

Gyan exited at the semi-final stage with Ghana following his penalty miss against Zambia and despite being upset at missing the spot-kick he is pleased to be back in the Pro-League.

The Ghanaian arrived back in the UAE greeted by flocks of fans early on Monday morning, which boosted Gyan's mood after being criticised by fans in his homeland for his miss, ironically his second in a major tournament after spurning a spot-kick against Uruguay at the 2010 World Cup.

“I thank you all for everything you have done to me since I joined Al Ain,” the Ghanaian told the club’s official website. “I don't have the words to thank Al Ain fans. I felt big love that I feel only within my family."

Gyan also said that although he was away representing his country, he was continuously following the fortunes of his club and hopes to pick-up from where he left off when he returns to first-team action.

"In fact, I was away of the club by body only, but my heart and soul stayed here in Al Ain,” he said. “I was really happy for the last two victories after leaving the President’s Cup championship and only losing one match in the league.

"I’m really happy for my team also because they kept on top of the standings. I was checking continuously Al Ain football first team news when I was away.”

Al Ain manager Cosmin Olaroiu also cannot wait for Gyan to get back into action and believes the experience the striker has brought with him from the tournament will be essential.

“He’s looking sharp to be honest,” he said. “I think the Africa Cup of Nations has brought him back a better player.”

Olaroiu also said that should the need arise, he would have no problem in appointing the former Rennes man as their spot-kick taker and that to criticise for that miss alone is not fair.

“It is illogical to condemn a player like Gyan for missing a penalty kick,” he said.

“I still believe in him so I will choose him for any penalty kick we have. I have a good relationship with Gyan.”

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