Ghanaian midfielder Derek Boateng has become one of the favourite players among his FC Cologne colleagues because of his jokes. Boateng, who does not speak German, has managed to catch a few words, which he spits intermittently, generating massive laughter from the players. The Ghanaian who is famed for speaking his mind and poking fun at others has won the hearts of the Cologne at their pre-season training in Austria. Even the otherwise serious coach Zvonimir Soldo does not resist smiling when Boateng opens his mouth to spew some words. "These guys are getting together well as it gets quiet sometimes but the jokes from Boateng is breathing life into the squad," said the Croat. Boateng is known for his similar trait in his days in the Ghana national team as Dan Quaye avoided him just because he pokes fun at him. The midfielder has made serious progress in the pre-season and even opened the scoring when they thrashed Rhein-Erft select side 7-0 in a friendly last week. Source: ghanasoccernet.com