BOATENG REJECTED UNITED VIA PHONE CALL

Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng reveals that he rejected the chance to move to Manchester United via a phone call with Jose Mourinho...

Mourinho was interested in the German central defender but Boateng rejected United because he didn't think they were contenders to win the Champions League.

This is the first time that Boateng has spoken publicly about the decision to stay with Bayern instead of returning to England.

Boateng on international duty for Germany...

The former Manchester City man said to German publication Bild: "I had enquiries from Paris-Saint Germain and Manchester United, and I considered them.

"Not because I wanted to leave Bayern Munich by all means. It was no escape, but rather the thrill of a new challenge. I feel completely contended at Bayern - one of the biggest clubs in the world.

"I phoned Jose Mourinho and told him that his interest honoured me and thank him (for trying to sign the defender).

"It's difficult to leave FC Bayern. Everything has to fall in place to top this club, if I do it. Niko Kovac gave me the feeling that I'm very important to him and the club."