BARCELONA: Kevin-Prince Boateng acknowledged on Tuesday that he will not be a starter after his shock move to Barcelona, but he is determined to win everything with the Spanish champions. The 31-year-old Ghanaian forward sealed a sudden loan move from Serie A side Sassuolo on Monday for 1 million euros with the option to move permanently for 8 million in the summer. Boateng, the former Tottenham, Portsmouth and AC Milan midfielder, says he can add know-how as Barcelona set their sights on another treble. “I haven’t spoken to the coach (Ernesto Valverde) but I know I have not come here to be a starter because there are incredible players in this team,” Boateng told reporters at his presentation. “I am here because of my experience and to help out. When I heard the news I called my agent and thought it was a dream. “It’s an incredible sensation. Yesterday morning I was sad because we had a good group (at Sassuolo) but I explained to them that coming here was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse.” After selling Munir El Haddadi to Sevilla, Barcelona needed to sign back-up for Luis Suarez and they settled on Boateng after being linked to Carlos Vela, Alvaro Morata, Cristhian Stuani and Cedric Bakambu. The Spanish champions wanted to sign a player who has experience in the top flight, and Boateng impressed with Las Palmas in 2016-17 before moving to Eintracht Frankfurt for personal reasons. Boateng, who operated in attacking midfield before converting to a false nine role, has also played in England, Italy and Germany. Published in Daily Times, January 23rd 2019.