Sassuolo coach Roberto De Zerbi has revealed that he played a major role in Kevin-Prince Boateng's move to Barcelona.

Boateng joined Barcelona in a shock loan move from the Italian side Sassuolo during the January transfer window.

The Ghanaian had been an influential figure at the Mapei Stadium where he scored 4 goals in 13 Serie A matches.

His departure was feared to have left an aperture in the Neroverdi team, with a section of their fans mulling the sale of the Ghanaian.

But coach De Zerbi has revealed that he engineered the sale of the former AC Milan ace to the Blaugrana though his departure hurts his men.

“We have a close relationship. With me, he recounts his story through football. He is a particular lad with an immense heart. I didn’t try to force him to stay. I knew he wanted to join Barcelona and even if we got worse with his departure I helped him to change team”.

Boateng has warmed the bench four times in all competitions since his debut against Sevilla in the Copa Del Rey last month.