Sassuolo forward Kevin-Prince Boateng has justified his decision to represent Ghana and not Germany at senior level.
The 31-year-old was born in Germany and represented the European country in U-19 level down to U-21 level but decided against playing for Die Mannschaft as he honoured an invitation from the Black Stars prior to the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
"There was no room for me there (in the German national team) because I always say what I think. Back then, a guy like me wasn't wanted," Boateng said.
"I wanted to play for my country to represent who I am, and that's why I chose to play for Ghana. I'm happy because it enabled me to discover my origins."
Kevin became a key member of the Black Stars after excelling in South Africa. However, he has not been called up since he was sent home from 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil for disciplinary reasons.
His half-brother, Bayern München star Jerome Boateng, plays for Germany, and they faced each other at the World Cups in 2010 and 2014.
Kevin has made a strong start to the season, scoring two goals in three appearances for Sassuolo.