Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng has revealed Barcelona tried to sign him last summer but the German international decided to remain with the Bundesliga champions.
Boateng becomes the second defender in less than a week to confirm he turned down an offer from the La Liga giants. On Monday, Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Marquinhos revealed he rejected summer bids from Barcelona and Manchester United to remain in the French capital.
Now, during an interview with the German publication, Sport BILD, Boateng confirmed the Catalan club put in an offer for his services but ultimately decided to remain with Bayern Munich.
“I don’t exactly when Barca’s offer was put in, but it is true that there was an offer,” the defender told Sport BILD.
“I wasn’t thinking about leaving. I don’t need to leave Bayern for Barca if I want to win the Champions League.”
“When a club like Barcelona shows interest in signing you then it is a great honor, of course.”
While the 26-year-old did admitted he was flatter by Barcelona’s interest, in the end the defender decided to remain in Germany because he’s happy at Bayern Munich and learning a lot under the leadership of Pep Guardiola.
“He’s a coach who has taught me the most about tactics,” Boateng added. “With him I play more with my head than ever before.”
The defender went on to say he will remain at Bayern as long as the club wants him to.
“They are one of the four best clubs in the world and I would like to end my career here after winning many titles,” he concluded.
Boateng started his career with the German side, Hertha BSC, but arrived at Bayern Munich in July 2011 after orchestrating a move from Manchester City.
Since that time, the defender has made 155 appearances in all competitions for the German giants, while helping the club win: two Bundesliga titles, two DFB-Pokal tiles, a DFL-Supercup, a Champions League title, the UEFA Super Cup and a FIFA Club World Cup.
Boateng also has 50 international caps for Germany, and was part of this summer’s squad which took home the the country’s fourth World Cup.
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