I signed my Rennes contract on a hospital bed in Spain - Asamoah Gyan

Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has disclosed that he signed his Stade Rennais contract while on a hospital bed following an injury at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Ghana all-time top scorer recounted that he arrived at the tournament carrying an injury, which later required surgical intervention after his return to club side Udinese.

Medical assessments at the time indicated a lengthy spell on the sidelines, raising doubts about his immediate playing future.

“When I came to the 2008 AFCON, I was injured. I took that injury back to Udinese and I was operated on. The doctors told me I would be out for about five months,” Gyan told Police TV.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his fitness, Rennes remained determined to secure his signature. In a dramatic turn, the deal was completed while the striker was still recovering from surgery abroad.

“Even when I was operated on, Rennes were still insisting on signing me. I signed my Rennes contract on a hospital bed in Spain,” he added.

Following the agreement, Gyan relocated to France to continue his rehabilitation, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in his European career. He would go on to spend three seasons with Rennes, establishing himself as a key attacking figure.

His time in France laid the groundwork for a high-profile move to the English Premier League in 2010, shortly after his standout performances at the FIFA World Cup helped Ghana reach the quarter-finals.