FC Barcelona new boy Kevin-Prince Boateng dismissed suggestions of a past allegiance to Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo by lauding Lionel Messi as the best player in this world.
Boateng completed a shock move to Barca on Monday, with the Catalan club bringing him in from Sassuolo on a loan deal until the end of the season which includes an €8million purchase option.
After rumors of his move began to circulate, past quotes from Boateng declaring himself a Madrid fan and praising Ronaldo as the world's best player began to resurface, but he had a concise response on Tuesday.
"I am a Barcelona player and Lionel Messi is the best player in this world and every world," the Germany-born former Ghana international told reporters.
"Why are you laughing? That's the truth, he has shown that with all that he has won in the last 10 years.
"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.
Read also: Kevin-Prince Boateng becomes the first Ghanaian, 14th African to play for FC Barcelona
"They play amazingly and being able to play by their side is a great gift."
"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."
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