Emmanuel BoatengGetty

Levante's Boateng 'honoured' by maiden Ghana call-up

Levante sensation Emmanuel Boateng is delighted to have received his first ever senior Ghana call-up as the Black Stars prepare for upcoming friendlies. 

The 21-year-old, who grabbed global headlines on Sunday with an incredible hat-trick against La Liga champions Barcelona, is in line to make his international debut when the four-time African champions face Japan and Iceland on May 30 and June 7 respectively. 

Levante announced the striker's call-up six days before Sunday's La Liga exploit.

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“I have received invitation for the two friendlies [against Japan and Iceland]," Boateng told Oyerepa FM

“It’s an honour to wear the national colours and so I will do my best for Ghana.

“I am looking forward to performing better than this [hat-trick against Barcelona] in the national team."

Boateng's weekend heroics did shatter a few records.

Although becoming the first player since Diego Forlan in 2005 to register a league treble against the Blaugrana has been the most talked about, one other, with a lesser mention, is equally as dear to the forward. 

"As a striker what matters is to score and that was my prayer before the game, but I never thought of scoring three,” said, the Accra-born.

“It feels very great to be the first Ghanaian to score a hat-trick against Barcelona, a privilege I thank God for, and Ghanaians for the support. 

"My secret is prayer and hard work."

Boateng, who has six La Liga goals so far this term, joined Levante from Portuguese side Moreirense last summer.

The attacker represented Ghana at the 2015 Fifa Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand.

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