Explained: Why Alexander Isak has decided to snub all Sweden media duties after completing £125m Liverpool transfer

Isak has joined up with the Sweden squad after securing a deadline-day move to Liverpool for a British transfer record fee of £125 million (€144.5m/$169.3m). The forward went on strike in a bid to force his way out of St James' Park, angering Newcastle fans in the process, but eventually got his way and managed to complete a move to Anfield.

The striker managed to send a message of gratitude to Newcastle after finally departing but that may well be the last fans hear from the striker for some time. The new Liverpool signing has now elected to snub all media duties while with the Sweden national team and wants to concentrate solely on his football, according to Footboll Skanalen.

Sweden press officer Petra Thorén said: "Alexander will not do any media ahead of the match against Slovenia. We are in dialogue with Alexander on this issue. But given the circumstances of his coming in late on Monday, it’s not long until the World Cup qualifiers, he wants to focus on preparations and getting started properly and preparing for the matches."

Thoren was also quizzed on whether the situation might change during the international break and added: "I don’t guarantee that he will be available to the media at any time during this period. But I also don’t rule out that it could be that way. We’re taking it day by day. It’s an ongoing dialogue. Alex’s focus and desire right now is to put all his energy into preparations for the matches."

Isak has come in for plenty of criticism for the way he forced his way out of Newcastle and has effectively missed pre-season after deciding he did not want to play another game for the Magpies. The international break does offer Isak the chance to escape the Premier League spotlight and enjoy some much-needed game time before returning to Liverpool to make his debut.

Sweden are due to play Slovenia in World Cup qualifying on Friday and then head to Kosovo on Monday. Isak will then report to his new club and will hope to debut when the Reds return to Premier League action against Burnley on September 14th.