Ex-Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita suspended and ‘substantial fined’ by Werder Bremen
'As a club, we won’t tolerate Naby’s behaviour.'
Former Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita has been suspended by Werder Bremen for the remainder of the season after refusing to travel with the squad.
Keita, who joined Werder Bremen on a free transfer from Liverpool last summer, is accused of refusing to be part of his side’s matchday squad for their 5-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen at the weekend after learning that he would not be in the starting line-up.
Werder Bremen have now confirmed that the 29-year-old, who cost Liverpool £52.75 million, will not play for the club again this season and has received a ‘substantial fine’ for his conduct.
A statement from Werder Bremen on Tuesday read: ‘Werder Bremen have suspended Naby Keita until the end of the season.
‘The club have also handed the midfielder a substantial fine. The 28-year-old will no longer train with the team or be part of the first-team dressing room.’
Clemens Fritz, Werder Bremen’s head of football, added: ‘As a club, we won’t tolerate Naby’s behaviour.
‘He let his team down in a time of difficulty surrounding our recent run of form and squad availability and put his own interests above those of the team. We can’t allow that.
‘At this stage of the season, we need full focus on the remaining games and a team who stick together. That’s why we’ve been left with no alternative.’
Keita, however, has denied the allegations from his club.
‘Since the first day I signed for this great club, I have always worked selflessly and professionally,’ the midfielder said in a statement which was posted on Instagram.
‘My only desire has always been to help the club and bring joy to the many fans, especially at a time when the results are not as we would like them to be.
‘Since the beginning of my career, wherever I’ve been, I’ve never had problems with discipline and I’ve always tried to be a role model. So I won’t accept anybody tarnishing that image.
‘To the fans: I want you to know that I fight every training session to make you happy every weekend. Training, giving everything, these are the limits of my strength. Allez, Werder!’
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