Black Stars coach Charles Akonnor says Kevin-Prince Boateng can come back to the team but admits there are some issues that need to be solved first.
The Besiktas attacker has not played for Ghana since 2014 as he is serving an indefinite suspension imposed on him by the erstwhile Ghana Football Association (GFA) administration led by Kwesi Nyantakyi.
They suspended Kevin after he flouted disciplinary rules in the Black Stars camp during the Fifa World Cup in Brazil.
The 33-year-old is said to have used some vulgar speech on the then coach Kwasi Appiah leading to his dismissal from the tournament.
Akonnor in his first press-conference said he had spoken to Kevin and he didn’t want to play for Ghana again.
However, last week, Kevin admitted in an Instagram Live chat with his brother, Jerome Boateng, that he didn’t like how things ended and would like a second chance.
“With the national team, I didn’t like the way it ended because they gave me so much. But you never know, maybe I can go back and play one more time again,” Boateng said.
His comments dominated sports shows this past weekend.
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FORTALEZA, BRAZIL – JUNE 21: Kevin-Prince Boateng of Ghana gestures during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group G match between Germany and Ghana at Castelao on June 21, 2014 in Fortaleza, Brazil. (Photo by Martin Rose/Getty Images)
Former Ghana midfielder Laryea Kingston said on Saturday’s Sports Link that Kevin should be recalled on condition that he is playing well at club level but admitted that the final decision is in the hands of Akonnor.
And in an exclusive interview with Joy Sports, Akonnor offered a response. He said Kevin, who he has a great relationship with, is always welcomed but his issues with the GFA must be resolved first.
“If Kevin Prince Boateng is available? He’s played before. He has done well. There were some issues I think we cannot also deny but if he is doing well and is actively playing and is a strong, very experienced player, why not?.
“Whatever it is, I really need to talk to the FA about it but he will be welcomed. There are some issues with I cannot discuss but if he is interested [he can come].
“You know the other day during the press conference, I had a chat with him and the story was different. Later he came back [to clarify]. When I came to Germany he was now coming up in Hertha Berlin. I know him very well. He was a very tough boy,” Akonnor told interviewer, Benedict Owusu.
Kevin-Prince Boateng has been capped 15 times by Black Stars, scoring two goals.
Source: myjoyonline.com
