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Football

12th Sep 2018

Jerome Boateng reveals what he told Jose Mourinho during summer phone call

Boateng was one of many defensive targets for Manchester United

Darragh Murphy

Jerome Boateng personally called Jose Mourinho to explain that he had no interest in switching clubs in the summer.

Boateng was one of several defenders who had been targeted by Manchester United in the transfer window as Mourinho aimed to bring in a new centre-half.

After identifying Toby Alderweireld as his top choice, Mourinho then moved on to the likes of Boateng, Harry Maguire, Yerry Mina, Diego Godin and Kurt Zouma.

United failed to bring in any of the above defenders but it was not for a lack of trying as they organised a private jet on deadline day in an attempt to bring in Godin as an emergency option.

Bayern Munich’s Boateng had already made his stance clear on the transfer as he personally called Mourinho to rule himself out of any potential deal.

“I had enquiries from PSG and Manchester United,” Boateng told Bild. “I did not want just to get away from Bayern but I was thrilled to try a new challenge. I feel well at Bayern, it’s one of the biggest clubs in the world.

“I called Jose Mourinho. I told him that his interest was an honour for me and thanked him for trying so hard for me. I explained to Jose that it’s difficult to leave Bayern and, if I do, everything has to be in place to top this club.”

Boateng actually lined out against United in a pre-season friendly on August 5 and must have impressed Mourinho but the German international never looked keen on a return to Manchester.

The centre-half, who made 24 appearances for Manchester City in the 2010/11 season, has previously admitted that he didn’t enjoy his time in England.