Why I stopped playing for Ghana- Kelvin-Prince Boateng
Former Ghanaian international Kevin-Prince Boateng has reflected on his time with the national team and his decision to retire early from international football.
Kevin-prince Boateng who spoke to Omasports.com said some things just didn’t work out well while he was in the team.
“There were some reasons,” he explained. “It didn’t work out how we wanted it, there were some misunderstandings but I feel sorry that it ended like this because after 2010 I thought we could have built something very good and big; we had a great team and good spirit but it is what it is and I have to accept that. I wish the ‘black stars’ nothing but the best and I will always be a fan” he told Omasports exclusively.
Born in Germany to Ghanaian parents, Boateng, 35, started out with Hertha Berlin youth side in 2004 and was later moved up to the first team a year later.
In a career that has spanned playing in Europe’s top leagues for clubs like AC Milan, Barcelona, Tottenham amongst others, the former German youth International has now returned to his hometown club where it all began.
Something that looks like it was planned. The former Fiorentina man said “No you cannot plan that”. “I’m just happy that I have the possibilities to close my career in my hometown, in my city, the club that I love. This was not planned but it is beautiful” he said.
Things are currently not looking good for Boateng and Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga. The capital club are at presently in the drop zone but Kevin-Prince is optimistic about his team’s chances of staying up.
“If I won’t be positive, if I don’t believe in my team anymore, I will stay home, that’s my spirit” he said bullishly. “We have [17] games to go, and there are a lot of points to win and we have to believe.”
Boateng then charged his teammates to give their all in the fight against relegation.
“Everybody has to look in the mirror and ask themselves if we are really giving everything everyday because if that’s the fact and we don’t succeed, then there’s no excuses. We [Just] have to stick together as a family now”.
Hertha Berlin currently has a Nigerian on their books. However, the 25-year-old Chidera Ejuke has been struggling for fitness and is injured at the moment. Boateng said he always tries to help the young footballers by giving them advice in difficult times and much more.
“In football, when you come to a new club you have so many people who try to help you to settle. I especially take care of all the young boys by helping and giving them advice so they have everything they need to perform and feel good.”
Kevin-prince Boateng had 15 caps for the black stars of Ghana and also appeared both at the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups.
