Ronaldo and Marcel Desailly inspired me - Jerome Boateng

2014 World Cup winner, Jerome Boateng has disclosed that former Brazilian striker, Ronaldo and France defender, Marcel Desailly inspired him growing up as a footballer.

The Bayern defender who begun as an attacker at Borussia Berlin said he modelled his game around the Brazilian striker till age 14 when he switched to become a left-back.

The former Germany defender added that Marcel Desailly became his source of inspiration after becoming a defender.

Like Desailly who chose France over Ghana, Jerome also abandoned his parent country to represent Germany at international level.

In a conversation with his senior brother, Kevin Prince Boateng on Instagram, the former Manchester City player said the former French captain who won the 1998 World Cup was very inspirational to him growing up.

Kevin: Who was your inspiration when growing up?

Jerome: For me, it was Ronaldo, the Brazilian striker.

Kevin: Ah same position (laughs)

Jerome: You know for me when I was younger, I played as a forward until I was 14. So first it was him, then when I became a defender, it was Marcel Desailly.

Kevin: Ohhh!!!

Jerome: Yeah. You know because of his background. He was half Ghanaian, playing for France and then the World Cup in 1998. So yeah, those were the players I looked up to.

At age 31, Jerome Boateng has enjoyed a successful career winning seven Bundesliga trophies, four German Cups, one UEFA Champions League trophy, FIFA Club World Cup and a host of others.