Naby Keita has taken to social media to dispute claims from Werder Bremen sporting director, Clemens Fritz, that he refused to play against Bayer Leverkusen at the weekend.
The former Liverpool midfielder, 29, has been restricted to just five appearances in his maiden season for Bremen due to injuries and was not in Sunday's squad for the thumping 5-0 defeat at Leverkusen, who clinched their first ever Bundesliga title at the BayArena.
Fritz alleged that Keita had "decided not to get on the bus and went home" after discovering he would not be included in the starting XI for the match. But Keita has refuted those allegations and insisted he will not allow anyone to "tarnish his image".
In a statement shared on his Instagram story, the Guinea international wrote: "I wish to clarify my situation at my club Werder Bremen. Ever since I arrived at this magnificent club, I have always shown my professionalism.
"I have always tried to help the club and the great supporters, especially during this time of poor results. Since the start of my career I have never had problems with my discipline and have always shown an exemplary attitude. I will not accept any person trying to tarnish my image.
"To the supporters, I would like you to know that in every training session, I fight so that I can make you happy every weekend. Training, giving everything, these are the limits of my power. To my teammates, good luck for our match. Go Werder!"
Keita's turbulent first year at Werder Bremen is the latest disappointment for the midfielder, who failed to live up to expectations during his five years at Liverpool after joining the club from RB Leipzig in a £59million transfer in 2018.
Join the debate! What did you make of Keita during his time at Liverpool? Let us know here.
Injuries prevented Keita from replicating his imperious Bundesliga form in the Premier League and he made just 95 appearances in total for the Reds, although he did win both the league and the Champions League during his time at Anfield.
Keita, who was snapped up by Bremen shortly after becoming a free agent in the summer, was warned by head coach Ole Werner that his actions would face consequences following Sunday's match against Leverkusen.
"It annoys me and it will have consequences," he told DAZN. "I haven't spoken to him yet, but that will follow in the next few days."
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