Milan, Dec 9: Former AC Milan player and present Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has been given a special recognition for his work in fighting racism by a leading German radio station.

The Krone Awards, which is arguably one of the biggest radio awards in Germany rewarded the Ghana international for his strong anti-racism campaign in off and on the field. It is the 18th edition of the said recognition and for the first time ever it has gone to a footballer.

The Black Star, born to a Ghanaian father and a German mother himself has faced racism remarks in the field of football. His most recent notable controversial moment happened only four years back, while in AC Milan colours when he was taunted with racist comments by fans during a friendly game with lower tier side Pro Patria.

The attacker immediately hearing the chant fired the ball into the humming supporters area in the stand and immediately left the field along with his teammates abandoning the game.

Boateng also recently fought for the use of video technology in the field of football to remove of racist abuse at match centres.

"This is the most beautiful and most important trophy I have received in my career. That's a huge honour for me," Boateng, one time a guest of the United Nations for its International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, said via a live video broadcast from Frankfurt.

"I would have liked to have been there, but I had to stay at home and focus on the game against Bayern on the weekend.

“To be given this award means that people are taking note and that there are still a lot of people who care about this issue.

“That’s really pleasing and I’m delighted to be getting through to more and more people and, with them, we are continuing the fight against racism.”

The attacker, although could not attend the award ceremony in Bochum because of his club commitments as he is preparing to face Bayern Munich this weekend in a cracking tie.