Downgraded Boateng lands Austrian employment
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Jerome Boateng disclosed that he had received numerous offers but chose to join the Austrian Bundesliga team, Linzer ASK. The club's president is thrilled about the new center-back but the reaction on social media is less enthusiastic.
The ex-World Champion Jerome Boateng has decided to continue his career in Austria. As reported by Linzer ASK, the 35-year-old centre-back signed a two-year contract with the top-tier team until summer 2026. After exploring various options, Boateng had been playing for US Salernitana in the Italian Serie A, and a return to his former club, Bayern Munich, fell through in the fall.
"I'm excited about the time at LASK and eagerly anticipate this new chapter in my career," Boateng shared his sentiments, who had played for Salernitana as the last-placed team and has featured in seven games since February.
"I had many options, but I purposely chose LASK as their sporting plans, ideas, and visions captivated me the most," Boateng disclosed. Financial factors played a lesser role in his decision.
On social media, many users expressed their dissatisfaction with the signing. Boateng is currently embroiled in a legal battle in Bavaria for allegedly assaulting his ex-partner and mother of his children during a vacation in 2018. A recent appeal resulted in a dropped conviction. Bayern had also opted against recruiting him last year due to the intense backlash. However, Sporting Director Christoph Freund initially saw it as a "private matter."
The spokesperson for the women's rights organization Terre des Femmes was outraged: "Bayern's statement ('private matter') set a dangerous precedent - for all fans, for the public, for victims, and sadly for the perpetrators." Bayern's decision not to sign Boateng was "not solely a sporting decision," confirmed manager Thomas Tuchel: "We evaluated the situation thoroughly, a pity it wasn't all just about sports."
Linzer ASK CEO Siegmund Gruber was ecstatic: "It's incredible and inexplicable that we managed to snatch an in-demand player and role model like Jerome Boateng for our team. He had received numerous, high-paying offers. Our shared vision and his dedication to the sport path outweighed any financial incentives." Boateng also provided significant financial support to the club.
Boateng was previously contracted to the French top team Olympique Lyon until summer 2023. Since February, he had been without a club.
The relationships between Boateng and Bayern remain complex and potentially still contentious. While Gunter Sauber, the CEO of Linzer ASK, celebrates the addition, netizens' criticism seems more straightforward.
Obviously, a tale with mixed reactions. But given the opportunity, a new beginning for Bruchweiler native Jerome Boateng in a domestic league still brings a smile.
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Jerome Boateng's decision to join Linzer ASK amidst soccer transfers and rumors was surprising, considering his past with Bayern Munich and other high-profile clubs. Despite the controversial past incidents, clubs were still interested in his soccer skills, as proven by the numerous offers he received.
Fans and critics on social media have been discussing Jerome Boateng's transfer to the Austrian Bundesliga team, Linzer ASK, sparking various opinions and rumors surrounding his skill and past controversies in soccer.
