Ghana international Asamoah Gyan had kind words for former employers Al Ain as he departed the United Arab Emirates on his way to join Chinese Super League club Shanghai SIPG.

On Wednesday the striker was in China to complete a medical and finalise the details concerning his deal with the Shanghai club.

Since joining Al Ain from Sunderland in 2011, the Ghana all-time top scorer has won three Arabian Gulf League titles and one President’s Cup.

The player was given an award from Al Ain as a token of their appreciation for his service during the last four years, in which he scored an impressive 95 goals in 83 appearances.

Gyan responded by thanking the club on his own official website, and explaining his reason for moving on from the Arabian Gulf League.

“I am lost for words. This club will always have a special place in my heart no matter what happens in future,” he commented on his official site.

“I want to really thank the entire Al Ain club and its fans for the support they have me in my time here,” he added.

“At Al Ain we were able to achieve a lot of things and I tell you this club will remain in my heart forever. It is however time to embrace a new challenge and hopefully this new challenge will be as successful or even better than my time here at Al Ain,” Gyan concluded.