JEROME BOATENG SAYS he is sad that Germany coach Joachim Low has axed him from the international set-up, and insists he can still play at the highest level.
Low announced on Tuesday that he would no longer be considering Boateng, Mats Hummels and Thomas Muller for DFB selection as Germany aim to recover from their 2018 World Cup embarrassment.
The 2014 winners were knocked out in the group stages in Russia after defeats to Mexico and South Korea.
In reaction to Low’s decision, Boateng posted on Instagram: “German coach Joachim Low told me today in a straightforward interview that I will not continue to be part of the DFB team, and that he wants to offer young players the opportunity in the future.
Especially in view of the upcoming tournaments where the team wants to show a new face.
I am sad about this news because it has always been the greatest thing for me to represent my country. Nevertheless, I respect the new course and understand the decision of the national coach.
“I was young myself and reliant on older players to make room for me. Personally, I am convinced that I can continue to play at the highest level and will continue to do so in the future.
I will always look back with great pleasure on the time spent in the DFB team. I have always been extremely proud to wear the jersey of the national team and I will never forget summer 2014 in particular. Of course, I would have wished for another farewell for us. Good luck of the team for the future!”
Boateng was one of the key figures in Germany’s successful World Cup campaign in Brazil five years ago, starting the final at centre-back alongside Hummels.
However, his performances in Russia were heavily criticised as Low’s side failed to keep a clean sheet in three group matches.
Germany then came bottom of their Nations League group in autumn of 2018, finishing behind Netherlands and France, leading the selectors to consider younger alternatives.
Boateng was given his full international debut by Low in October 2009, just four months after he had featured in the U21 World Cup win alongside Hummels.
He won 76 caps in total and scored one goal, which came against Slovakia in the 2016 European Championships.
Bernard Jackman joins Murray Kinsella and Gavan Casey to discuss the backlash to World Rugby’s league proposal, captaincy styles, sports psychology and more in The42 Rugby Weekly.
The42 Rugby Weekly / SoundCloud
Subscribe to our new podcast, The42 Rugby Weekly, here:
Wouldn’t be the end of the world if he missed out in fairness
Bottom line is we have better alternatives.
Thats decent from Stoke,Everton didn’t even allow Ireland to pass judgement on Coleman and McCarthy before Germany.
Don’t want to be Whelan-bashing, but we came to life when he went off in Gelsenkirchen. Instinct is to play backwards all the time. Suited Trap perfectly but hopefully we have moved on.
If gibson isn’t fit enough, think id like to see mccarthy and hendrick in the centre
Let’s hope he’s not!
Who gives à shit
Mark Hughes said he’s not ready !!! Ireland are entitled to call him up but stokes physios say he’s a couple of weeks away ….