Kevin-Prince Boateng wants to leave Turkey for Ghana over COVID-19

Besiktas forward Kevin-Prince Boateng wants to leave Turkey for his native Ghana following an outbreak of the deadly Coronavirus in the European country, GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusively report.

The 33-year-old has held private meeting with the club's management over his decision to leave the country as soon as possible.

Besiktas are reluctant to allow the player to leave for Germany over claims the risk is even more troublesome in his country of birth.

The club again says the decision to leave for Ghana could also pose some risk for the former AC Milan star after the West African nation recorded 16 cases of COVID-19.

Turkey's youth and sports minister Mehmet Kasapoglu announced the suspension of sporting events in the country on Thursday amid the scare of the rampaging virus.

Turkey has so far reported 191 positive virus cases with two deaths.

Footballers in the country, especially foreign nationals are desperate to run for cover as the epidemic continues to wreak havoc globally.

The Black and Whites issued a statement on the situation urging fans to remain calm.

"This virus has spread to almost every part of the world. The World Health Organization said this was a global epidemic. Where will you go, even if you want to take leave? The flights are currently stopped. Turkey also one of the most reliable country for the moment on this issue. Our state is taking the necessary measures. Nobody panic. Not only you, other players, other teams and we are also worried. We must be calm first. ”