Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng has laughed off Karl-Heinz Rummenigge's recent comments on his lifestyle and told the club CEO he would prefer to receive criticism face to face.
Boateng, 28, was at fault for the opening two goals in Bayern's surprise 3-2 Champions League defeat against FC Rostov last week, leading Rummenigge to question his performance and lifestyle.
But Boateng, who missed Bayern's 2-1 Bundesliga win over Bayer Leverkusen with a muscle injury at the weekend, had his say at a visit to a Bayern fan club in Babenhausen.
"I can only laugh about it," he said on Sunday. "I cannot say any more, but next time he can say it personally to my face and then it's fine."
Out now: Die neue #GQ - Auf Special Cover 1/4: GQ Man of the Year Jérôme #Boateng #Titelgewinn #Nachbar #mdj16 https://t.co/rn4M8Fnl1t pic.twitter.com/g6d7OoKSPd
- GQ Germany (@GQ_Germany) November 14, 2016
Voted Man of the Year by GQ magazine in Germany, Boateng has won awards for his charity work and social engagement. Rapper Jay Z advises the 2014 World Cup winner on his U.S. marketing efforts, which include a designer glasses label.
Boateng told Bild on Thursday his off-the-pitch activities weren't a distraction and his poor performance in Russia had "nothing to do with any PR or lifestyle obligations."
Boateng has suffered two serious muscle tears in 2016 and has only started five league games this season. However, he has played in all three of Bayern's losses this campaign and the Bavarians remain unbeaten without Germany's Footballer of the Year -- racking up seven wins and a draw.