Former Black Stars forward Emmanuel Boateng has returned to Portugal to rejoin Rio Ave FC in the Primeira Liga, the club have announced on Tuesday.
Boateng has signed a two-year deal with the Vilacondenses on a free transfer after leaving Chinese side Dalian Yifang following the expiration of his contract.
Boateng made 37 appearances and scored 11 goals in the Chinese Super League during his three-year stay.
Boateng returns to his first club in Europe where he joined in July 2014 from Ghanaian lower-tier side Charity Stars. He moved to Moreirense after a year.
The former Ghana U20 attacker moved to Spanish La Liga club Levante in August 2017 in a deal worth around 3 million Euros.
After two seasons at Levante, Boateng made a big money move to Dalian Yifang following an outstanding spell in Spain where netted 7 goals in 41 games in the La Liga.
Boateng scored a hat-trick against Barcelona in the 2017-18 season, becoming the first player to put three goals past the Spanish giants since 2005.
His hatrick for Levante in their 5-4 victory also ended Barcelona’s 36-game unbeaten run in the same season.
Boateng has his eyes set on a return to the Ghana national team and for place in the squad for the World Cup in Qatar later this year.
