Boateng: The best player in the world is Messi & I know I will not be a starter

In what has proven to be one of the more unpredictable transfers of the January market thus far, Sassuolo's loan of Kevin-Prince Boateng to Barcelona has left the Ghanaian midfielder confident that he can do well and stay at the club for many years.

He has been signed as a backup to Luis Suarez, but is determined to do well whenever he does get on the pitch.

The former Las Palmas star was unveiled as a new Blaugrana signing on Tuesday morning, before being allowed onto the Camp Nou pitch to complete the usual procession of tricks.

"This is a test and I know I haven't arrived as a starter, but I want to play well and stay for many years, that's my goal," he explained in his introductory press-conference.

"At almost 32 years old, the role of a No.9 is perfect for me.

"It's important to have a player like me in the team because I have other attributes."

Few anticipated that the Ghanaian would ever get this chance to play at the very top level once again, although Sassuolo had been enjoying his contributions this term as the former Tottenham man had scored four goals and provided one assist.

Yet such an opportunity was impossible to turn down.

"It's an incredible feeling to be here," he said.

"Yesterday I was sad because I was happy in Sassuolo, but this was a great opportunity and I couldn't say no.

"I wanted to come to Barcelona, as soon as I heard of their interest I spoke to my agent.

"It's a dream and a great honour, I'm very happy."

The 31-year-old had previously claimed to prefer Real Madrid over the Catalan club and was asked about these statements.

However, Boateng was quick to toe the party line and make clear that Lionel Messi is the best player in the world.

"I'm a Barcelona player and the best player in the world, in any world, is Messi," he said.

"He's shown it over the past 10 years."

This echoed his comments on Monday evening just prior to boarding his flight to Catalonia, where he dismissed the topic of Los Blancos.

"Real Madrid? Don't ask me about them, it's in the past," he had said to Sky Italia's Fabrizio Romano.

"I'm focused on Barcelona, this is a great opportunity for me.

"I hope to score in the next Clasico at the Bernabeu."