Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng has revealed that he rejected a potential move to Barcelona last year. The ex-Manchester City player also confirmed his wish to stay at Bayern for many years.
Boateng, who signed a contract extension in December tying him to his present club till 2018, insisted that Barcelona tried to lure him to Camp Nou last summer.
The 26-year-old told Sport Bild: “I don't know how much they bid for me in detail, but it's true that there was an enquiry.
“When a club like Barcelona show interest, it's obviously a huge honour. But I never really considered it – we were already in pre-season at Bayern.”
The 2014 World Cup winner also added, “These days, you don't need to join Barcelona from Bayern if you want to win the Champions League.
“I play at one of the top four clubs in the world. I'd be delighted to continue my career at the club for a long time and, some day, retire here with many more titles in the bag.”
The defender has already made 154 appearances for the reigning German Champions. Boateng scored against his former club Manchester City in this year’s Champions League group stages.