The football journey of Kevin-Prince Boateng has been marked by a plethora of experiences and narratives.

His move from AC Milan to FC Schalke 04 in 2013, for a transfer fee of 10 million euros, set the stage for a tumultuous two-year period with the Royal Blues.

Reflecting on this time, Boateng expressed regret about certain decisions he made during his playing time.

He stated, "I regret two things," during an interview two years ago, "the first is that I left Hertha so early. The second thing is that I switched from Milan to Schalke at the time."

However, the concerns surrounding his Schalke stint are now a thing of the past as Kevin-Prince Boateng, the Ghanaian international and sibling of German World Cup champion Jerome Boateng, has officially announced his retirement from professional football.

Boateng's legacy will undoubtedly be twofold – a formidable leader on the field who consistently poured his heart into the game, and a polarizing figure who occasionally courted controversy and stirred debates during his illustrious 18-year career.

His association with top-tier clubs across the globe brought him accolades and recognition, but also earned him notoriety for his actions both on and off the pitch.

In a heartfelt farewell gesture, Kevin-Prince Boateng conveyed his sentiments towards the sport that has been central to his life.

Posting a video montage on Instagram that captured the highlights from his various professional endeavors, Boateng wrote, "I love you. But that's it. Thank you football for everything." The 36-year-old's emotional tribute was accompanied by a powerful subtitle that encapsulated his journey, "I was my biggest rival all these years."

As Boateng bows out from the world of professional football, his complex and multifaceted career will be remembered as a tale of triumphs, challenges, regrets, and ultimately, a heartfelt farewell to the game that has been his constant companion.