The 24-year-old said he had put up with four years of reading lies about himself, declaring that claims had been made with the sole purpose of harming me . He said it had been a mistake that he had not spoken out sooner.
From today, I will answer with sincerity and without giving in to any blackmail, Dembele wrote. I am 24 years old and like any man, I have faults, imperfections. I have known complex moments, injuries, I have been affected by COVID. Without any training, the coach called on me and I always answered present without batting an eyelid.
I appreciate the chance to do the best job in the world. Furthermore, my message is clear. I forbid anyone to pretend that I am not involved in the sports project. I forbid anyone to attribute to me intentions that I never had. I forbid anyone to speak in my place, [or] in place of my agent in whom I have complete confidence.
Still under contract, I am fully concerned and at the disposal of my club, my coach. I have always given my all for my team-mates as well as for all the supporters and this won t stop now.
Xavi has also told Dembele to sign or be sold, and the player who was acquired after the big-money departure of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain may have kicked his last ball for Barcelona. He was left out of the squad for Thursday s Copa del Rey last-16 tie with Athletic Bilbao.
Former Barcelona forward Antoine Griezmann responded with fire and heart emojis to Dembele s passionate statement.
I am not a man who cheats and even less a man who has a habit of giving in to blackmail, Dembele added.
As you know, there are negotiations. I let my agent take care of this, it is his field. My field is football, simply playing football, sharing moments of joy with my team-mates, with our supporters. Above all, let s focus on the essentials: WINNING.
