Boateng lifts lid on reasons why he rejected summer move to Man Utd

Jerome Boateng says Jose Mourinho tried hard to sign him this summer, but the Bayern Munich man called him to politely decline the offer.

The Manchester United man was desperate to add a central defender to his squad this summer with Boateng on a target list which also included Harry Maguire, Toby Alderweireld, Yerry Mina and Diego Godin.

In August Sport Bild claimed  that United have turned their attentions to Boateng after a move for Barcelona’s Mina fell through after a row over agent fees for the Colombia defender.

Germany centre-back Boateng, who also held talks with PSG, has revealed he turned down the offer from United in a phone call to Mourinho.

“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 was a substitute in Bayern’s 1-0 win over Manchester United in a friendly in August and after the game Mourinho was asked about his side’s interest in Boateng.

“My CEO knows for a long time what I want. I know that he is doing the best for me and I still have a few days left to see what happens,” the Portuguese boss replied.