Barcelona new signing Kevin-Prince Boateng lauded Lionel Messi as the best player in the world during his official unveiling at Camp Nou. However, he also dismissed his previous claims favoring Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid. The Ghanaian midfielder made a shock move yesterday from Sassuolo to Barcelona on loan.
Kevin-Prince Boateng signed the loan-deal with Barcelona until the end of this season, although he also has an €8-million purchase option for the Catalan club. After displaying a great potential while playing for the Hertha Berlin during his teenage days, the midfielder then played for Las Palmas and Eintracht Frankfurt before moving to Sassuolo.
The Ghanaian star previously declared himself as an avid fan of Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid. However, he took a 180-degree turn after his official joining at the Camp Nou brigade. While talking about the best player, the new Barcelona man said, “I am a Barcelona player and Lionel Messi is the best player in this world and every world.”
He then said “Why are you laughing? That’s the truth, he has shown that with all that he has won in the last 10 years,” and then further added “It’s a great honor [to be at Barcelona] because Messi is the best player in the world, and Luis Suarez the best striker in the world.”
Kevin-Prince Boateng said, “They play amazingly and being able to play by their side is a great gift.” The former AC Milan midfielder also said, “At my age, the number nine role is perfect for me, but for a coach, I think a player like me is a plus because I can play in different positions, but I feel very good as a number nine.”
He said “I have not talked to the coach [Ernesto Valverde], but I know I have not come to play in the starting line because there are incredible players in this team,” and then further added “I’m here because of my experience and to help. I’m here to play well and sign on for more years here, that’s my goal.”