Asamoah Gyan has backtracked on his decision to retire from international football with Ghana after an intervention by the country's president.
The striker announced on Monday that he was quitting the national team after learning of manager Kwasi Appiah's proposal to strip him of the captaincy just weeks before the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
But President Nana Akufo-Addo intervened on Tuesday by telephoning Gyan, who is based in Turkey with Kayserispor, urging him to reconsider.
Gyan in a statement said he has accepted the president's request, and was ready for the tournament.
A presidential request is one that cannot be disregarded.
— ASAMOAH GYAN (@ASAMOAH_GYAN3) May 22, 2019
I have taken the request of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in good faith, and will make myself available for selection by coach Kwasi Appiah to help win the AFCON trophy @AnimSammy @PrinxRandy @BaffourGyan4 pic.twitter.com/WSlHZrjWrd
"A presidential request is one that cannot be disregarded ... I have taken the request of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in good faith, and will make myself available for selection by coach Kwasi Appiah," the 33-year-old forward said.
"My desire to help Ghana end the over three-decade long wait to annex the AFCON trophy still burns strong, and I remain committed to serving this great nation and the people of Ghana," he added.
Gyan has appeared in six Africa Cup of Nations, finishing runner-up in 2010 and 2015. This year's tournament begins in Egypt on June 21. Ghana have been drawn in Group F alongside Cameroon, Benin and Guinea-Bissau.
Gyan made his international debut at the age of 17 against Somalia in 2003.
He is Ghana's all-time leading goalscorer with 51 goals in 106 appearances.
He has also featured at three World Cups, in 2006, 2010 and 2014.
Gyan played in the UAE during two stints, primarily with Al Ain from 2011-2015. He scored 128 goals in 123 appearances for the Garden City club. He later spent a year on loan at Dubai rivals Al Ahli.
