Former Ghanaian international Kevin-Prince Boateng has made explosive claims regarding his brief stint with Barcelona in 2019. The midfielder, who joined the Catalan giants on loan from Sassuolo, alleges that he was pressured to make specific statements about Lionel Messi and his affinity for the club.
In a recent podcast appearance, Boateng revealed the supposed behind-the-scenes machinations that accompanied his transfer. He claims that Barcelona officials mandated certain declarations before he was even allowed to set foot on the pitch.
“Yes, it’s true,” Boateng stated when asked if he was forced to say Barcelona was his favorite team and Messi the best player. “Two years before I went to Barcelona, I was asked about the best player and the team I supported, and I said Cristiano Ronaldo was the best and I supported Real Madrid.”
He continued, “But when I went to Barcelona, I had to lie in the press conference. I said Barcelona was my favorite team and Messi was the best player in the world… I had to say it to get the chance to play. And I’m not the only one, other players have done it too.”
Boateng alleges that Barcelona’s management explicitly instructed him to make these pronouncements during his introductory press conference. “They told me clearly: if you don’t say in the conference that Messi is the best and Barcelona is your favorite team, you won’t play a single minute here.”
Furthermore, Boateng claims that the deal was nearly derailed at the last minute due to the need for Messi’s approval. He alleges that club officials informed him they needed to “talk to Messi” before finalizing the transfer.
“I was shocked when they told me: we have to contact Leo first. He had that power,” Boateng said. “I went to sleep hoping Leo liked me or saw a place for me in the team. I said to myself: tomorrow I will sign, but if Leo says no… I will not be a Barcelona player.”
Boateng’s time at Barcelona was short-lived, lasting only half a season. He made just four appearances for the club without scoring.
These allegations, if true, paint a concerning picture of player autonomy and the influence of star players within major football clubs. DZWatch will continue to follow this story as it develops.
