Barcelona open their doors for former Germany international to train at club facilities | OneFootball

FC Barcelona continued their preparations for Saturday’s La Liga clash vs Athletic Club today at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, with the notable absence of star forward Marcus Rashford.

The forward was absent with the club’s permission due to some personal reasons and is expected to return to training on Friday.

Jerome Boateng shows up at Barcelona facilities

At the same time, though, there was a surprise appearance made at the Barcelona facilities by former Bayern Munich and Germany defender Jerome Boateng.

And, according to SPORT, the veteran defender, who has been without a club since ending his spell with LASK in Austria last season but is not officially retired, will use the Ciutat Esportiva facilities for a few days to stay in shape.

Boateng played under current Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick at Bayern Munich, and the German tactician has seemingly opened the doors for the seasoned campaigner to use the Catalans’ training pitches to remain in shape.

Only a few weeks ago, the 37-year-old centre-back was close to securing a return to Bayern Munich, not as a player, but as a coach to get his managerial career a kickstart.

However, serious fan backlash, owing to Boateng’s conviction last year for causing bodily harm to his former partner, led to the return being cancelled.

Boateng, who has always denied any wrongdoing in the matter, has yet to announce his retirement.

And while he figures out his next move, the German icon will make use of Barcelona’s facilities to train and keep himself in shape.