Ghanaian forward Kevin-Prince Boateng was overcome with emotion as his beloved club, Hertha Berlin, suffered relegation from the Bundesliga.
The 36-year-old, who announced his retirement at the end of the season, started in the match where the capital-based team was held at home by VfL Bochum, sealing their demotion to the second tier.
After the game, Boateng remained at the stadium for hours, deeply reflecting on his final campaign in the Bundesliga.
Speaking to reporters, he expressed his disbelief and sorrow, saying, “I still can’t fully grasp it. It’s just so bitter. I have a deep love for this club. When I came here, I knew it wouldn’t all be smooth sailing. The fans’ anger, disappointment, and sadness are completely understandable. I feel the same way as a Hertha fan myself.”
In their last match of the season against Wolfsburg next week, Boateng will bid farewell to the club where it all began for him. After spending two decades abroad, playing for various clubs including Portsmouth, AC Milan, and Barcelona, Boateng returned to his boyhood club in 2021.
The relegation of Hertha Berlin marks a difficult moment for Boateng and the entire fanbase, but his dedication and love for the club remain unwavering.