Former AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has opened up about why he initially rejected the chance to represent Ghana.
The 38-year-old eventually switched nationality in 2010 and became one of the standout performers for the Black Stars at the World Cup in South Africa.
Before that breakthrough moment, he had opted against joining Ghana’s squad for the 2006 World Cup.
Speaking to Bona Fide Sports, Boateng said he felt more aligned with his upbringing in Germany at the time, even though he later embraced his Ghanaian heritage.
He explained, “I grew up in a German in my house. My brain was just not German in following rules. That’s my arrogance, but that was my talent as well.”
Boateng added that Ghana had already approached him for the 2006 tournament, but he still believed he had a future with Germany.
“Ghana offered me already to play at the 2006 World Cup, and I said no because I still saw my chance in Germany, because you think about your career; it’s bigger to play for Germany,” he said. His perspective changed four years later, leading to his World Cup appearance for Ghana in 2010.
He went on to feature again at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, ending his international career with 15 caps and two goals.
