Kevin Prince Boateng: Former Ghana Midfielder Opens Up on Battle With Depression and What Saved Him

• Kevin-Prince Boateng has opened up on his battle with depression
• The former Ghana international retired from football in August 2023
• Boateng played for several clubs including AC Milan and Barcelona

Former Ghana midfielder, Kevin-Prince Boateng has disclosed that he suffered from depression during his playing days.

The ex-AC Milan and Barcelona star retired from football in August 2023 after finishing off his career with boyhood club Hertha Berlin.

Boateng had a nomadic career, playing for 14 clubs across Europe in his 18 years of professional football.

The 36-year-old won trophies in Italy, Spain and Germany and had 15 appearances for the Black Stars of Ghana.

Four months after announcing his retirement from football, Boateng opened up on his battle with depression.

“I went through depression,” he told Claudia Lässer on the Lässer Die Talk Show. “I had my demons, I had my problems, I cried at home. Nobody knew about it.

World Cup 2022 Injury List: Injured footballers who might not play this World Cup

Football

“I should have won an Oscar because I was a very, very good actor,” added Boateng.

According to Boateng, he had to seek help from a psychologist despite his reluctance to seek health care.

"I went to the psychologist, which I never wanted to do because we men are so proud and so honourable. We can't admit that we're weak, that we're crying. It was the best step of my life because I got help.”

Boateng could return to football soon after deciding to start his coaching license next year, as reported by 3 Sports.

“I have the opportunity to work closely with FIFA President Infantino and set up a few projects with him. I want to start my coaching license next year,” he added.

K.P Boateng opens up on World Cup dismissal

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Retired Ghanaian footballer, Kevin-Prince Boateng explained why he was sacked from the Black Stars camp at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Stephen Appiah: Former Ghana Captain Makes Ambitious Claim Ahead of AFCON 2023

Football

The 36-year-old was famously dismissed alongside teammate Sulley Muntari over disciplinary reasons.

However, Boateng claims he was asked to leave because he and Muntari protested against the treatment of players in the camp.