It’s bigger to play for Germany - Kevin-Prince Boateng reveals why he earlier turned down Ghana in 2006

Former AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has opened up about initially turning down a call-up to represent Ghana.

Boateng switched his international allegiance to Ghana in 2010, ahead of the World Cup in South Africa, and quickly became a key figure for the Black Stars following a standout tournament.

Speaking to Bona Fide Sports, the 38-year-old revealed that he had previously declined an invitation to play for Ghana, feeling a stronger connection to his German upbringing.

“I grew up as 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," he said.

“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.

“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," he added.

Boateng went on to feature in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Across his international career with Ghana, he earned 15 caps and scored two goals.