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The striker has played a handful of games this season due to injuries but says he aims at hitting top form soon.

Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan says he is not worried about criticisms from Al Ahli supporters as he aims at recovering his onetime brilliant form.

The 31-year-old joined the UAE club in a season-long loan from Chinese side Shanghai SIPG but has been struggling with injuries.

He has made only ten appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals, with Ahli enduring a tough campaign in the Arabian Gulf League and Asian Champions League. They are second on the league log with 44 points, six points behind rivals Al Jazira.

"It happens. Sometimes when things go wrong people will talk and when things go right people will talk. I have been in this game for almost 15 years so I know how it works. The criticism doesn’t affect me at all. I’m trying to fight with myself because a fit Asamoah Gyan knows what he can do on the pitch," Gyan told thenational.ae.

"I’ve been in very difficult situation in the past nine months, but I’m still trying to make sure I get back to my normal fitness. Definitely I’m going to get it. I don’t predict but I believe I’m going to get there.

"What is important is that I’m on the pitch. When I’m playing there are many opportunities. I can head, I can shoot. I’m blessed to have this kind of quality. When I’m on the pitch I know what I can do. The most important thing is to stay fit. That is what I’m praying for every time.

"It’s very frustrating and sometimes I see some criticism here and there but they don’t know what is going on. People say things that they don’t normally have to say. I try to sacrifice myself," he said.

"I have two and a half months to go. I’m just praying to God that I can stay fit. It’s been difficult for me, I haven’t had a pre-season camp with the team for a long time and I think this is what I’m lacking right now. But from next season I’m going to go for pre-season and prepare well for my body to stay active."

Gyan won the topscorer award on three consecutive occasions during his first spell in UAE with Al Ain, scoring 128 goals in the process.