Barcelona was my dream team: Laryea Kingston

The former Ghana midfielder had a successful career playing with Hearts of Midlothians and other sides, but despite failing to feature for Barcelona, he believes his career was a success.

''When I was playing in Europe, a lot of people said my style fitted Barcelona,'' the former Heart of Midlothian winger told Goal.

''If I look back, I think I granted some interviews and said if I had the chance to play for Barcelona, that would be great because I wanted to play in one of the best leagues in the world and against the best players in the world.

''I managed to play against Barcelona in a pre-season game when I was playing with Heart of Midlothian in Scotland and it was a big achievement for me.

''One of my aims was to play in the UEFA Champions League. I managed to play in the Europa League with Lokomotiv Moscow against Sevilla but we all know the Champions League is bigger than the Europa League and every footballer's ambition is to play at the highest level or compete with the best players in the world or be part of the best players in the world.

''I did my part and I am really happy with whatever achievement I had in my career.''

Kingston also played for Maccabi Ahi Nazareth, Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel; Russian sides Krylia Sovetov and Terek Grozny and Vitesse Arnhem of Holland.

He also played for Great Olympics and Hearts of Oak before hanging up his boots.

''For me, everything [I achieved] was a high moment because every step up was an achievement. Starting from my youth days at colts level [in Ghana] when I was voted the Player of the Tournament at the Milo Games,'' he added.

''I had a call-up to the first national U15 team and when I got there, I was one of the key players. For me, every step in my career was very huge for me.

''Just like I say every game and every goal was very important for me because it may have helped the team to win or put a smile on the faces of the fans. Generally, I would say I fulfilled my dreams as a footballer.

''Every team that I played in, I was always one of the fans’ favourite.''