Kevin-Prince Boateng is heading to Australia

Former professional footballer Kevin-Prince Boateng has complained that hatred and jealousy are growing in Europe following racist insults against AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Mignon, 28. “Politically, the racists are trying to rule in Germany with the AfD,” the former Bundesliga star told Italian newspaper “La Repubblica” (Wednesday). The former Hertha player, star of Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan, said he wanted to leave the country he grew up in and vote for them.

He announced that he was going to leave Europe soon. “In Australia they offered me to help develop football. “I'm leaving,” said the 36-year-old. He ended his active career as a professional footballer in 2023, last playing for Hertha BSC.

The recent racism scandal in Serie A surrounding Mignon has shocked him. Boateng explained that Italy was no more racist than Spain, Germany or England. “The difference is that it happens more often in Italian stadiums.” He was racially abused during a game in 2013 and left the field. “Zero action has been taken in 11 years. It's a shame,” criticized the Berlin native who played for the Ghana national team.

He also insisted that those responsible for this should be given severe punishment. Stadium barriers are a very important gesture, but they are not enough. According to him, bans on visitors will also not help. “It's a joke to racists, they know they'll do whatever they want again.” The key is to fight racism in society. You have to start with the kids: “It's important to get inside the kids' heads,” Bateng said. (dpa)