The Allianz Arena clocks showed 64 minutes had been played when the home crowd rose to hail comeback kid Jérôme Boateng, who took over from fellow defender Javi Martínez. The German Footballer of the Year made his first appearance in 2017, taking his first steps onto the pitch after a 108-day spell on the sidelines following his pectoral muscle tendon surgery.
"It was an incredible feeling to be back on the pitch again," Boateng said after the final whistle, brimming with joy. "I've worked hard for it. I'd like to thank the team and my family. I'm very happy, and I hope I can play for the rest of the season without injury."
'I want to help'
The world champion was rock-solid in his first appearance of the year. Boateng had 30 touches of the ball and 28 passes, boasting a 96.4 percent accuracy, committing only one foul along the way. "I have to find my rhythm now, I want to help the team," Boateng declared. Welcome back Jérôme!
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