Bayern Munich's Jerome Boateng 'turned down' move to Barcelona

Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng has revealed that Barcelona tried to sign him last summer, but the German international could not be convinced to leave the Bundesliga.

The Spanish giants are believed to have approached Boateng regarding a transfer at the end of last season, but eventually clinched the signatures of Thomas Vermaelen and Jeremy Mathieu.

"I do not know the exact details of how much Barcelona offered for me, but it is true that they wanted to sign me," Boateng told Sport Bild.

"It's hugely flattering when a club like Barcelona show an interest in signing you, but these days, you no longer leave Bayern Munich for Barcelona when you want to win the Champions League. At Bayern, I play for one of the four best clubs in the world."

Boateng, who joined Bayern from Manchester City in 2011, is contracted to the Bundesliga club for a further three years.