The heavily-tattooed midfielder quit the Black Stars this month at the age of 24, the latest controversy involving the player widely-remembered for the incident which forced Germany's Michael Ballack out of the 2010 World Cup.
German-born Boateng, raised in one of Berlin's toughest neighbourhoods, has enjoyed some spectacular moments in his second season with the Italian champions.
On Wednesday, the player who models himself on Pele and Rivaldo produced a goal either Brazilian would have been proud of against Lionel Messi's Barca.
Collecting a pass from Zlatan Ibrahimovic at an awkward height, the former Tottenham Hotspur, Borussia Dortmund and Portsmouth player flicked the ball past a defender's legs and fired a low shot between Victor Valdes and the near post.
"According to Kevin the physical demands of playing for club and country at high levels are taking a toll on his health," it said.
"The player also explained that in order to remain healthy and stave off injuries he has consulted his doctors and family over the matter and has decided to take the decision to excuse himself from national duties."
"All one has to do these days is to be a Ghanaian of foreign descent, request to switch nationality and you are guaranteed an automatic first team place in the Black Stars," said one columnist.
"He played a few games, performed admirably and now his career is steadily rising he realises it is time to pack up his bags and bid goodbye to Ghana.
"I hope he wins the African Player of the Year award for no other reason than to see the reactions of Ghanaian football fans."
