Now, Kevin Prince Boateng thinks Ghana is the big deal and the German press are taking notice. (Translated version here)
The midfielder has joined Jermaine Jones in turning his back on a possible future with the German national team, plumping instead for Ghana.
Sport Bild magazine reported on Wednesday:
"I would like to play for Ghana - I have made contact with officials ... It's Ghana I would like to progress with," the magazine quoted Boateng, 22, as saying.
Berlin-born Boateng spent the second half of last season on loan with Borussia Dortmund from Tottenham, where he had struggled to hold down a starting place.
He is now set to return to London as his Spurs contract runs to 2012.
He began his career with Hertha Berlin.
Jones, a 27-year-old midfielder with Schalke 04, decided earlier this month to play for the United States having only made it as far as the German youth side whereas Boateng has made three appearances for the "A" team.
Martin Jol, then Spurs manager said of him in 2007:
"In Germany he is regarded as one of the biggest talents, we recognised this and went in for him,"
"You could compare him with the likes of Aaron Lennon and Tom Huddlestone in that he is an exciting player for now and the future. He is an attacking midfield player, very strong and that is one of his main assets."
Boateng insisted he had nothing against the German Federation (DFB) for his lack of success in making it to the full side.
"There are no negatives behind my decision. I just don't see I have a chance when it comes to the DFB, that's all."
Jones had in contrast intimated that he did not find favour with Germany coach Joachim Loew, suggesting in the media that he did not make the Euro 2008 squad for reasons including having tattoos and also that the colour of his skin might not have helped him.
Jones has double US and German nationality - his father is stationed with US forces in Germany.
He is to benefit from a FIFA decision made earlier this month to abolish age limits for a player to switch national side having set a previous limit of 21.
However, a player may not switch if he has played in qualifiers for a major tournament or in a tournament itself.
Verdict
The truth is that the lad may not get a plave in a national team that is consistenly considered as having one of the best midfields in the world. Maybe if Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, Kwadwo Asamoah and Laryea Kingston are all injured he may get a place. At the moment, sorry Kev, Ghana doesn't do German-rejects.
Fact file
Name is Kevin Prince Boateng
Plays for Hertha Berlin
Has Ghanaian father/German mother
Age is 22 years
Nickname is the Ghetto Kid
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