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Barcelona news: Boateng makes Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez claim after shock move
KEVIN-PRINCE BOATENG says it will be an honour to play alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez after sealing his shock move to Barcelona.
Barcelona confirm Kevin-Prince Boateng signing
Boateng has joined the Spanish giants on loan from Sassuolo for the rest of the season in the January transfer window’s most surprising transfer so far.
And the former Tottenham and Portsmouth attacker says he is relishing the chance to play alongside the world’s best players.
“Thanks for the opportunity," the Ghanaian said.
“It’s an honour for me to be here. I was sad because I have to say goodbye to Sassuolo but I told my former team-mates that I couldn’t reject Barcelona. I had to run here.
“I know I won’t be a regular starter. I am here to help my team-mates when I can.
“[To] play with Messi and Suarez is an honour, I want to see how they play and study them.
“I’ve been playing in different roles and positions and I played for Las Palmas and I am sure this will help me to settle in well.”
Boateng started out as a midfielder but has moved into a more advanced position as his career has gone on.
He turns 32 in March and insists his best position is now as an out-and-out striker.
However, he knows he will have to play second fiddle to Suarez if that is the case but admitted he would try and impress enough to secure a permanent move.
"I have not talked to the coach," he added. "But I know I have not come to play in the starting line-up because there are incredible players in this team.
“I’m here because of my experience and to help.
"At my age, the role of number nine is perfect for me.
"I think it's a plus that I can play in different positions but I feel very comfortable as a number nine.
"I'm here to play well and to try to stay for more years here. That's my goal."