Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari has revealed compatriot Kevin-Prince Boateng left AC Milan because he wanted to be closer to his son. The 26-year-old made a shock return to Germany by joining Schalke 04 before the summer transfer window shut.

Many have interpreted Boateng’s shocking move to Schalke as a means of fleeing racial abuse which is very prevalent in Italy. But Boateng’s close friend and fellow Ghana international Muntari has revealed the midfielder’s move was motivated by the desire to see his son – who lives in Germany with his former girlfriend – more often.

“Boateng was not so happy, he wanted to get closer to his son. Germany is his home, he’s fine there. I do not think he’s gone for racism,” Muntari said. The Ghana international has however settled in well since his move to Schalke and scored his debut Champions League goal for the Royal Blues in the win over Steaua Bucuresti.