Jerome Boateng bound for Manchester City despite brother's nightmare at Spurs

22 April 2010 07:39
The Boateng name is already well known in this country after Kevin-Prince's Wembley heroics for Portsmouth earlier this month, but it is about to become even more familiar as younger brother Jerome prepares to announce himself to English audiences.[LNB] The younger Boateng, who aims to wreck Fulham's Europa League dreams in Hamburg, will be a regular feature in the Barclays Premier League next season when he completes an £11million summer move to Manchester City.[LNB] Sibling rivalry: Hamburg defender Jerome Boateng and Portsmouth's Kevin-Prince Boateng[LNB] The switch will partially reunite the brothers, but before that there is the small matter of making some World Cup history.[LNB] There have been instances of siblings playing together at football's greatest showpiece, but never against each other. In that regard, the Boatengs will create a landmark moment in Johannesburg on June 23 when Kevin- Prince walks into Ghana's dressing room and Jerome into Germany's.[LNB] For the Boateng brothers, Berlin-born of a Ghanaian father, it could hardly be more momentous. 'I don't know how dad's going to work out who to support, but he is as excited as me and Kevin,' said Jerome.[LNB] 'Ever since Germany and Ghana were drawn in the same group, Kevin and I have been sending each other messages. The texts have been flying. The handshake before kick-off is going to be a special moment, but after that he's just another opponent. Family will count for nothing, and if I have to kick him, I will without even thinking.[LNB] 'We've faced each other once before, when he was on loan at Borussia Dortmund near the end of last season. I was on the losing side that day, but I have told him I will have my revenge in Johannesburg.'[LNB] They are tough words, but Jerome is said to have a somewhat calmer personality than his older brother, who sprung to attention when he ripped off his shirt and revealed an array of tattoos after helping Portsmouth reach the FA Cup final.[LNB] Capital gains: Kevin-Prince Boateng during his spell at Spurs[LNB] Jerome has four tattoos, including one that bears his middle name Agyenim, but there the similarities end. Agyenim evidently means The Great One in his father's native tongue of Asanti-Twi, and it is no idle boast.[LNB] Those who have seen him force his way into Germany's team describe him as a dedicated professional with an unflappable temperament - something his older brother could have used in the difficult months following his move to England from Hertha Berlin.[LNB] The 23-year-old revealed how his lifestyle spiralled out of control at Tottenham during Damien Comolli's brief stay as director of football. [LNB]Reflecting on his introduction to Martin Jol, he said: 'I will never forget that first meeting with the manager. He sat me down in his office and told me I had been signed by Tottenham, not by him. He said he was sure I was a good guy, but I wouldn't be playing in his team. It knocked me flat, and I suddenly felt very alone. I needed a release and I found it in London's night scene.[LNB] 'I was out all the time, and parties and nightclubs soon became more important to me than the football. Every day, I would get back from training and start thinking about where I was going that evening. I got through an unbelievable amount of money.[LNB] 'I was in another world. I can't say it was a happy one, and I even lost my driving licence for speeding at one stage. No-one tried to stop me, so I just carried on.[LNB] 'It was no better during the day. I remember going out one day and buying a Lamborghini, a Hummer and a Cadillac, all in the space of a few hours. It was crazy, but I have finally changed my life. I'm now putting away an amount from my wages every week, so I will have some savings to fall back on, and the cars are going to have to go. I'm selling those, and I'm getting my career back on track, wherever it might take me.' [LNB] Adebayor must not lose it on fiery Arsenal return, warns City pal ToureBellamy out, Di Maria and Young in: Manchester City plan summer spreeCash-strapped Portsmouth owe Tottenham £1m for Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic Kaboul: Spurs can add Manchester United to Arsenal and Chelsea upsets[LNB] [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail