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Asamoah Gyan finished as Sunderland's leading scorer in 2010-11, finding the net 11 times in 33 appearances.
Gyan became Sunderland's record signing as the club paid Rennes a fee in excess of £13m for his services on the final day of the transfer window in August 2010.
The deal meant Steve Bruce had shattered the club's transfer record twice in 12 months after laying out £10m to acquire Darren Bent from Tottenham Hotspur in summer 2009.
Gyan's performances for Ghana in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa brought him to the attention of a host of top clubs as the Black Stars made the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time.
The tricky striker scored three times for his country in South Africa and averages around a goal every two games in international competition. He is a veteran of two World Cups, having also played and scored in the 2006 tournament in Germany.
Gyan started his career in Accra, Ghana, with Liberty Professionals before moving to Udinese, where he scored 11 times in 39 appearances. A loan spell at Modena during his stay in Italy yielded 15 goals in 53 games.
An international team-mate of former Black Cat John Mensah, Gyan moved to the French top flight with Rennes, who paid a reported 8m euros for his services in July 2008.
In two seasons in France, Gyan scored 14 goals in 48 appearances before Sunderland made their move for one of 2010 World Cup's leading lights.
Gyan came off the bench to score on his debut at Wigan on September 11, 2010 and has proved a huge hit with supporters thanks to his pace, flamboyant style and finishing ability.
He also scored twice on his full league debut for the club, against Stoke City at the Stadium of Light on November 6.
Off the field, Gyan is a music lover and has appeared under the pseudonym 'Baby Jet' on a hit track released in his home country.
Sunderland's Academy has the responsibility of developing young players, both technically and personally, in a challenging, safe and supportive environment.
