Bayern Munich Alumni: Jerome Boateng did not expect to stay at Bayern Munich for 10 years

Former Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng has had a fantastic career that has seen him referred to as one of the game’s best defenders for almost a decade.

The veteran recently said that he was able to achieve such heights in his career because of the lofty personal expectations he places on himself.

“Those are the expectations I have of myself. I always wanted to develop myself further, always accomplish the maximum,” said Boateng in an interview with FCBayern.com. “Just three or four days after the 2014 World Cup win, I started fitness training again and was already looking forward to the new season. I also like to compete, I always wanted to show what I could do. Playing so many games for Bayern for ten years didn’t happen by chance.”

Boateng has always liked to keep things fresh in his career and never really saw himself staying in one place for more than “four or five years.” Incredibly, Boateng finished off his 10th season in Bavaria — an extended stay Boateng did not foresee, but is glad that he made happen.

“And yet now it’s been ten years at Bayern. In 2018 and 2019 I was on the verge of moving. But in retrospect, I’m glad I stayed. I won the Champions League again, experienced playing under Hansi (Flick). It was a terrific way to wrap things up. Bayern is a great club. I felt at home here, was able to explore my limits and improve. But it’s true: I’m actually someone who needs something new after three to five years. That’s why I’m looking forward to what’s coming up now.”