Former AC Milan star Kevin-Prince Boateng has revealed that he initially turned down the chance to play for Ghana because, at the time, he felt more aligned with his German upbringing.
Boateng eventually switched nationality in 2010 and became a key figure for the Black Stars at the South Africa World Cup, delivering memorable performances that elevated his status among Ghanaian fans.
But speaking to Bona Fide Sports, the 38-year-old explained that Ghana had approached him much earlier—offering him a spot for the 2006 World Cup; an invitation he declined.
In his own words:
“Ghana offered me already to play at the 2006 World Cup, and I said no because I still saw my chance in Germany… I grew up in a German way in my house, so I felt more German at the time.”
He added that by 2010, his thinking had changed:
“Then 2010, I was like, nah, it’s not bigger. I’m big already. Everybody knows my name; it doesn’t matter what nationality I play.”
Boateng went on to feature for Ghana at both the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, making 15 appearances and scoring two goals for the Black Stars.
