LONDON, Aug. 20 — Striker Alexander Isak has strengthened his efforts to leave Newcastle United in the summer transfer window with a statement that accused his club of not telling the truth over events.
The Swedish international didn’t play in Newcastle’s 0-0 draw away to Aston Villa in the new season’s opener last Saturday, and hasn’t trained with his teammates this summer as he looks to complete a move to Liverpool.
Although Newcastle has already rejected an offer of over 100 million pounds (135 million U.S. dollars) for Isak, coach Eddie Howe has admitted he doesn’t have “full control” of the situation.
With the transfer window due to close at midnight next Monday, Isak has looked to force his move through with his statement, which he issued after not appearing at the ceremony to recognize last season’s Premier League team of the season.
“It didn’t feel right to be there,” wrote Isak, who commented that he had “kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken.”
The striker wrote that his silence had allowed people to push their own version of events, “even though they know it doesn’t reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors.”
“The reality is that promises were made and the club [Newcastle] has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading,” continued Isak, who insists that “when promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue.”
“Change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself,” he concluded. Newcastle quickly responded with a statement of its own, saying, “We are clear in response that Alex remains under contract and that no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer.”
“As explained to Alex and his representatives, we must always take into consideration the best interests of Newcastle United, the team and our supporters in all decisions and we have been clear that the conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired.” “We do not foresee those conditions being met,” the club said. (Xinhua)
