During a recent interview, Kevin-Prince Boateng disclosed the intriguing account of how he strategically manoeuvred his way into Camp Nou, despite his unwavering allegiance to Real Madrid, in order to fulfil his desire to play for Barcelona.
Despite being a staunch admirer of Real Madrid during his formative years and his time at Hertha Berlin, the former Black Stars player was obliged to declare his admiration for Barcelona and Messi during his unveiling at the club.
“I supported Hertha Berlin where I was born and then, sorry Blaugrana, Barcelona fans will hate me now but Real Madrid,” he told FIVE UK.
“I couldn’t say that at the press conference because they told me you can’t say that, otherwise we can’t play you. Two years earlier when I was playing for Las Palmas, I said in a press conference that the best player in the world is Ronaldo and in the galaxy Messi,” he added.
“They say who is the best player in the world, you say Messi,” he said, drawing a hilarious reaction from Rio Ferdinand and the crew.
“This is one of the biggest lies because I usually say the truth, but this one I had to lie because I wanted to put on the shirt for one time at Camp Nou,” he added.
Kevin Prince Boateng says he was forced to say "Messi is the best player in the world." when he was a Barcelona player. 😭😭😭
— Janty (@CFC_Janty) October 2, 2023
In 2019, Barcelona officially announced the acquisition of Kevin-Prince Boateng, a former midfielder for Portsmouth and Tottenham, on a loan agreement that will last until the end of the current season.
The 31-year-old, who previously played for the Ghana national team, was secured from Serie A club Sassuolo for a sum of £1.8m, with an option to purchase for £7.1m in the upcoming summer.
Boateng, who transferred to Portsmouth from Spurs in 2009 and subsequently signed with AC Milan a year later, will be introduced to the press on Tuesday morning.
“It’s a very sad day. Because I’m saying goodbye to an amazing group and club like Sassuolo that gave me a lot,” Boateng told Sky in Italy a day before boarding a plane to Barcelona.
“Going to Barcelona is a huge opportunity and an incredible feeling. I was very stressed today but I wanted to say goodbye to everyone, I respect Sassuolo.
