'Trying to tarnish my image' - Naby Keita hits back at claims he refused to board team bus for Bayer Leverkusen clash in angry statement

Werder Bremen managing director Clemens Fritz had accused the former Liverpool star of refusing to board the team bus ahead of their Bundesliga clash against Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday upon finding he was omitted from the starting lineup.

Fritz had told reporters, "After Naby found out yesterday that he would not be playing from the start, he decided not to get on the bus but to go home. We will talk to him and his agent tomorrow about the consequences and how to proceed."

Now Keita has hit back at the club official as he released a statement to share his side of the story. He slammed the Bundesliga outfit for trying to 'tarnish his image' as a professional. The 28-year-old left the Premier League giants after five years to join the German side last summer as a free agent on a three-year deal.

Taking to Instagram, Keita released his official statement that read, "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."

It remains to be seen if the club take any disciplinary action against their player. They will be next seen in action on Sunday in the Bundesliga against Stuttgart.