Boateng:"I don't have to apologize for my opinion"

T he preparations for the new season have started and one by one the World Cup stars are returning to their clubs. One of those is of course Ghanaian midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng, who has just returned to Schalke 04 to join the team at training camp in Bavaria.

Everything could be going just fine, but there is one thing: German fans and media remember very well how KPB criticised 'Die Mannschaft' for not having any real characters on the team. With their World Cup win, Germany has proven that they actually do have strong characters amongst them, and so journalists have criticised Boateng harshly for his previous statements.

In an interview with German newspaper 'Sport Bild' KPB has countered this criticism.

'I don't have to apologize for my opinion', the Ghanaian said. 'Germany answered my criticism perfectly and won the World Cup. These are all grown up people, and we interact respectfully with each other. Just as my opinion was a respectful one.'

Interestingly for Ghanaians, the Prince was also asked about his international career. After his argument with coach Kwesi Appiah and his subsequent suspension the relationship between KPB and the Black Stars has not been the best - and, according to him, that is not going to change anytime soon: In the interview, he stated that the Black Stars chapter was over for him. However, he explained that under certain conditions he might change his mind again:

 'I will reconsider the subject, if someone approaches me.'

Asked about general criticism on his recent performances, he answered:

 'I am 27 years old. What else do I have to show? I can cope with criticism very well.' Despite the competition at Schalke, Boateng sees himself playing in central offensive midfield. 'I feel very comfortable as a number 10. After all, I was signed to play that position. But when the coach needs me to help out as a number 6, I'll play there as well.'