Former Ghana midfielder Derek Boateng has revealed his pride in representing the country at the highest level and at major tournaments.
The midfielder enjoyed a stellar career playing in Europe, where he represented several clubs including Swedish giant AIK and English Premier League outfit Fulham.
But it was with the national team of Ghana that Boateng felt special, after making it to two FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.
“When I started playing football, my ambition was to play for Ghana and defend my nation anywhere in the world. It was such an honour being in front of Ghanaians and fans, singing the national anthem and playing. It was more than anything and I’m so happy about that,” Boateng told Goal.
“I also wanted to play in Europe as a professional player, play in the Champions League and meet all the best players in the world. [I fulfilled these and] that’s something I really cherish in my life.
“But the most of all was playing for Ghana – that was the highest moment. It was good playing in Europe and all that but playing for your national side was something special."
Boateng was an integral member of the Black Stars at the FIFA World Cup in Germany (2006) and South Africa (2010) as Ghana reach the round of 16 and quarter finals respectively.
“Playing at the World Cup in 2010 and reaching the quarter-final is among my highest," Boateng continued.
“The first tournament in Germany would be more special because that was our first World Cup. It was crazy and we really loved it. We were in the group with the Czech Republic, the USA and Italy."