Naby Keita Suspended By Club For Refusing To Play Against Leverkusen

Werder Bremen has suspended former Liverpool player Naby Keita till the end of the season for apparently refusing to play against Bayer Leverkusen.

Werder Bremen’s managing director Clemens Fritz accused Keita of refusing to travel to Leverkusen after realising that he would not be starting.

On Monday, the Guinean midfielder responded to the charges. Werder Bremen has announced Keita’s suspension, citing that the club had ‘no alternative’.

The Bundesliga has also imposed a ‘significant fine’ on Naby Keita, who will not be able to train with the club or enter the dressing room.

“Naby’s behaviour cannot be tolerated for us as a club,” said Fritz.

“With this action, he let his team down in a tense sporting and personnel situation and placed himself above the team.

“We can’t allow that. At this stage of the season, we need full focus on the remaining games and a team that is very close together.

“There was therefore no alternative to our measures.”

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Keita released a statement on Monday, stating that he will not accept anybody ‘trying to destroy my image’.

“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,’ Keita wrote on Instagram.

“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.”

After his contract with Liverpool expired last summer, Keita signed a three-year agreement with the German club.

He signed with the Reds for £48 million in the summer of 2017.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli