Boateng rumors: Advisor "surprised" after Schmidt statement
The rumors surrounding former soccer world champion Jérôme Boateng are causing confusion. There had recently been speculation that the former FC Bayern Munich defender had aroused the interest of Bundesliga newcomers 1. FC Heidenheim, which coach Frank Schmidt had rejected.
"We are very surprised by Frank Schmidt's statements. Jérôme never gave his word to Heidenheim and at no time indicated his interest in a transfer there," Boateng advisor Tolga Dirican told the newspaper "Bild" (Sunday). Heidenheim had "courted" the 35-year-old, said Dirican: "To turn this around now, as if Heidenheim had turned Jérôme down, is cheeky and bizarre."
Heidenheim coach Frank Schmidt had said on Sky before the 4-2 defeat at FC Bayern on Saturday that Boateng was not a good fit for the first division newcomers. In the pre-match press conference, the coach also said: "I don't know anything. I was surprised myself by everything I read."
According to the "Bild" newspaper, there was a meeting between FCH chairman Holger Sanwald and the Boateng side at the beginning of November. FC Heidenheim did not want to officially comment on the rumors last week and pointed out that the club does not comment on personnel matters.
Despite the meeting between FCH chairman Holger Sanwald and Jerome Boateng's representatives in early November, 1st FC Heidenheim has not made any official transfers involving the experienced soccer player. The Bundesliga newcomers have distanced themselves from any potential interest in signing Boateng, as stated by their coach, Frank Schmidt.
Source: www.dpa.com
