Bayern Munich Alumni: Jerome Boateng talks new chapter with Olympique Lyonnais

Former Bayern Munich center-back Jerome Boateng made the next chapter of his career official on Wednesday when he formally inked a deal with Olympique Lyonnais.

“I want to thank everyone for the warm welcome. I can’t wait to meet my teammates. I know the team is young and I will try to bring my experience,” said Boateng at his official press conference (as captured by Goal). “I received other proposals but I quickly made up my mind. I thank the people who made sure that I came here. I have known the club for a long time, I have seen them play in the Champions League.”

Boateng’s free agency was perplexing. The veteran defender had shown last season that he had more than enough left in the tank to be a starter for someone, but Boateng’s name was not bandied about all that much in the transfer rumor mill.

Regardless, Lyon was happy to be able to sign such a talented player.

“Jerome Boateng will bring us his talent but also a lot more to the changing room,” said Lyon sporting director Juninho. “He was very motivated to come and play for us.”