For Kevin-Prince Boateng, his allegiance now lies with Ghana despite having played for Germany at junior levels.
The 23 year-old secured a nationality switch just weeks ago after the Ghana Football Association put in a request.
Yet to be capped for Ghana, though it's only a matter of days away, Boateng is focusing on his chances of lining up for Ghana at the World Cup in South Africa.
The decision to opt for Ghana, according to him was influenced by his head rather than emotions.
"I really enjoyed playing for Germany. It was recognition for all the work I put in, and the German FA really helped me develop as a player. But I made mistakes. I had a feeling the German FA wasn't prepared to forgive me and I wouldn't be given another chance for the national team. I delivered for my clubs, but I was never mentioned in connection with the Germany set-up. By comparison, I could have turned out for Ghana at the 2006 World Cup and at this year's Africa Cup of Nations. I was still holding out hopes of being picked for Germany and playing alongside my brother Jerome, so I turned Ghana down. But now I've made a rational decision, with my head rather than my heart," he told Fifa.com.
Named by Milovan Rajevac in Ghana's preliminary 30-man squad that begun a training camp in Paris on Monday, Boateng is eagerly awaiting the final group fixture against Germany, a side he rates as favourites on June 23 in Johannesburg.
"I think Germany are favourites, although you have to fancy the Serbs too. But I know we have quality in the team, and I'm convinced we can spring a surprise," he said.
The clash against the Germans, his country of birth has generated too much tension not because of the possibility of facing his brother, Jerome Boateng but due to his challenge on Michael Ballack in the FA Cup final that caused the injury that forced the Germany captain to pull out of the FIFA World Cup™.
"Obviously, the Germany game is a special one for me. But I can promise the Ghana fans this: I play to win, even against my brother – or my father or mother, for that matter."
Boateng has already identified himself with the continent and is aware of the expectation with Africa hosting the World Cup for the first time.
"This World Cup is incredibly important for the continent as a whole. I'm expecting a tournament full of joy and excitement, like four years ago in Germany. Everyone in Africa's looking forward to the finals."
