Boateng: 'Messi is the best player in every world, he showed it in last 10 years'

"It's an incredible feeling to be here," Boateng said at a press-conference on Tuesday. "Yesterday I was sad because I was happy in Sassuolo, but this was a great opportunity and I couldn't say no. I wanted to come to Barcelona, as soon as I heard of their interest I spoke to my agent. It's a dream and a great honour, I'm very happy."

The 31-year-old has also addressed his previous statements regarding Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo: "The best player is Messi - in the entire world. Why are you laughing? It's the truth. He's the best player in this world - in every world. He's showed why in the last 10 years."

Barca fans were left confused by Boateng's earlier tweets and interview in which he discussed Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. For example, this summer he posted a picture of Cristiano with a brief caption 'THE BEST'. However, approximately three years ago, the striker said: "For youngsters that are footballers, Ronaldo would have to be the best in the world. [...] But what Cristiano does works in this world, and only in this world. Outside of this world, the best is Messi. Because he's incredible."

On Monday, Barcelona have announced the loan deal for Kevin-Prince Boateng from Sassuolo with an option to buy the 31-year-old for €8m at the end of the season. Boateng spent the last four seasons changing the Serie A, the Bundesliga and La Liga clubs. The Ghanian has scored 5 goals and provided 2 assists in 13 matches this season in the Serie A and Coppa Italia.