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Bayern Munich have confirmed that Jérôme Boateng will no longer be joining the club to begin his coaching development, following strong opposition from fans related to the former defender’s past conviction for bodily harm.
Head coach Vincent Kompany, who played alongside Boateng at Manchester City, had previously expressed support for welcoming the ex-Germany international back to the club in a mentoring capacity. However, banners displayed by supporters and an online petition opposing Boateng’s presence prompted Bayern to reconsider the plan.
“In a constructive exchange between FC Bayern and Jérôme Boateng this week, it was decided that Jérôme Boateng will not be visiting FC Bayern to observe training,” the club announced in a statement late Saturday. “Jérôme feels very connected to FC Bayern and does not want FC Bayern to suffer damage as a result of the current controversial discussion surrounding him.”
Boateng was convicted by a Munich court last year of causing bodily harm to his former partner, receiving a suspended fine and a warning. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The ruling came after a lengthy legal process that began with an earlier conviction in 2021, later adjusted on appeal.
In a message posted to Instagram on Saturday, Boateng addressed his decision directly to the club and its coach.
“Dear FC Bayern, dear Vincent: after the recent discussions about my person, I have come to the decision to focus on my subjects, the A license, RYZR, and Arena2. That’s currently my focus, and your full focus should solely be on the pitch, and the goal of continuing this impressive streak of 13 consecutive wins. I’m very grateful to the club’s management and to you, dear Vincent, for the trust and the opportunity to be a part of it. I wholeheartedly wish… that you achieve your big goals by the end of the season. I also want to sincerely thank the many fans for the numerous messages and their support.”
Boateng, who spent a decade at Bayern between 2011 and 2021, won nine Bundesliga titles and two Champions League trophies with the club, in addition to lifting the 2014 World Cup with Germany. He retired from professional football last month after a spell with Austrian side LASK Linz, whose contract with him was terminated by mutual consent in August.
Featured Image Credit: Unsplash / Saurav Rastogi, Unsplash / Bernd Dittrich
