Sports fans in Ghana and across the globe mourn the demise of Ex-Ghana and Feyenoord defender Christian Attah Gyan who passed away after battling cancer for over four years.
Sources say, Gyan who was also known as ‘Atta Rasta’ died earlier today, Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at a hospital in the Netherlands where he has been living for most of his years. Gyan died at age 43 after ending his career 11 years ago.
Gyan was a member of the Ghana squad that won Gold at the FIFA U17 World Cup in 1995 in Ecuador. Gyan played alongside ex-black stars captain Stephen Appiah. The 1995 U17 squad was one of the finest Ghana has ever paraded at the U17 level as it had playmakers like Emanuel Bentil, Awudu Issaka, and striker, Bashiru Gambo. Gyan played a key role with his brilliant defensive Prowess in the tournament.
Gyan signed for Feyenoord Rotterdam in 1996 but was sent on loan to Excelsior. After only a couple of months, Feyenoord recalled the defender and he made his debut for Feyenoord that same season.
Gyan remained with Feyenoord for the next eight seasons where he became a “Cult Hero” after emerging as fans favorite in the club. The former Black Stars defender played in the 2002 UEFA Cup Final against Borussia Dortmund with Feyenoord winning 3-2 in the end. Gyan also won a Dutch League Championship and a Johan Cruijff Schaal with Feyenoord during his time.
In September 2017, supporters of Feyenoord collected an amount of €35,000 for him to support his medical bills during a Dutch Eredivisie match between Feyenoord and NAC Breda.
Tribute from Patrick Paauwe
Overall, Gyan played 23 matches for the Ghana senior national team, the Black Stars. Meanwhile, Former Feyenoord defender Patrick Paauwe paid tribute to his former teammate, Christian Attah Gyan shortly after the news of his demise was officially announced.
Paauwe described Gyan as a defender feared by attackers especially with his hard tackles.
“I didn’t like Chris against me during training with his flying tackles. I also used to hoe, but he kicked you in half laughing. A real African defender, who you prefer not to meet as an attacker. Chris always smiled anyway.
“When everyone went to a restaurant at the time, he appeared in his African robes, dress and all. There were plenty of jokes about that, which made him laugh just as hard. It was also wonderful for him that he was allowed to play the final of the UEFA Cup. First, pray to God and then play a world game.
“Although you didn’t notice from him whether he played a European final or whether he was reserved in a practice match. That big smile was there anyway”.
Paauwe
Meanwhile Ivorian striker, Solomon Kalou also paid tribute to the ex-Ghana international in an Instagram post saying, “Rest well, my brother. You have worked hard. My heart goes out to Anita and the children”.
Dutch giants, Feyenoord posted a long tribute for their ex-player, saying “the fact that Gyan’s death also stirs up a lot among supporters can be seen from the many reactions that were shared on social media after today’s sad news”.
“With Gyan, Feyenoord loses a former player with a real Feyenoord heart, a favorite of the legion and above all a fantastic person. The club wishes all relatives a lot of strength in coping with this great loss. Supporters who want to express their condolences can leave a digital message on this page” .
Feyenoord
Earlier this year, it was announced that Gyan was seriously ill and that he could no longer be cured of cancer. At the end of November, Feyenoord said that there were plans for a suitable farewell to the Ghanaian in De Kuip. Sadly, there will be no more goodbyes.
