( CNN ) -- On loan Al Ain striker Asamoah Gyan has dismissed claims that his recent move from Sunderland to the United Arab Emirates was motivated by money . Talking to CNN 's Pedro Pinto , the Ghanaian also claimed there was no bad blood between him and Sunderland coach Steve Bruce after his last minute move to the Middle East . `` I 'm still a player of Sunderland . I did n't have any confrontation with anyone . We are still alright . I was cool with the manager , '' he told CNN . `` People say I moved because of money ... .You need to be happy -- although I 'm not saying I was n't happy at Sunderland or I was n't happy in the [ English ] Premier League . `` I had to decide with my family and everything and they were alright with my decision so I had to just move ... it helped myself and Sunderland as well . '' Gyan 's move from Sunderland in the English Premier League to Al Ain , a club that hails from a city built around an oasis deep in the desert , was arguably the most controversial of the recent transfer window . The Ghanaian scored ten goals in his 34 appearances for Sunderland and appeared to have adjusted well to the fast-paced English game . But instead of building on his promising start Gyan opted to move to the Middle East instead . `` In life you have to experience things . I think moving here I do n't regret at all because Al Ain is a great club and I 'm ready to give everything , '' he explained . `` It 's another step in my life . Although I 'm still a player of Sunderland . I came on loan so I 'll see how my future lies as Al Ain is an important club in Asia . I 'm really , really happy to be here . '' Gyan will be joined by a host of stars in this year 's UAE Pro League . Maradona will be in charge of Dubai club Al Wasl , France international David Trezeguet has joined Abu Dhabi club Bani Yas whilst former Inter Milan midfielder Luis Jimenez will be playing at Al Ahli . Last year 's champions , Al Jazira of Abu Dhabi , are bankrolled by Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan . Whilst there are fabulous riches to be found in the UAE Pro League , it is n't without its controversies . Attendances have been dire since the league went professional in 2008 . The situation got so bad that the UAE FA disbanded the league and took it under their control last June . Yet for Gyan the draw of Asian Champions League football was enough to convince him that the standard this season will be high . `` The English Premiership is one of the best in the world . I do respect that . I enjoyed myself really last season , '' he said . `` Moving to the Asian league is another step in my life . Who knows maybe I can bring some exposure in the Asian league . I 've got more fans in Africa and more fans in Europe also . `` I think the Asian league is also improving . Not just the big players going to the Asian league . It 's got a lot of great players ... and they are enjoying their football here . ''
Asian striker Al Ain talks to CNN 's Asamoah Gyan about his move to Al Ain . Gyan shocked the football world by leaving the EPL for Asia . He insists the move is n't about the money . Claims he and EPL coach Steve Bruce are on good terms .