Liverpool flop accuses critics of 'tarnishing his image' following claims he 'refused to get on team bus'

Former Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita has denied claims that he refused to get on the team bus ahead of Werder Bremen's clash with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.

The match ultimately resulted in the crowning of Bayer Leverkusen as Bundesliga champions for the first time in their history as they ran out 5-0 winners.

Werder Bremen are without a win in eight games and sit 12th in the league, five points above the bottom three.

Former Liverpool flop Naby Keita was not in the squad to face Leverkusen despite not being injured or suspended raising question marks over his absence.

Keita signed for Werder Bremen in the summer after a disappointing five-year spell at Anfield where he never really reached the heights hoped when he signed from RB Leipzig.

Speaking ahead of the game Bremen's managing director Clemens Fritz gave a rather damning explanation behind the lack of Keita's presence in the squad.

“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,” Fritz explained.

“We will talk to him and his agent tomorrow about the consequences and how to proceed," He added.

This is certainly a damning look for Keita, who has only played five games for Bremen in the league this season.

Following Fritz's public criticism, the former Liverpool man took to social media to defend himself and shed light on the situation.

Writing on Instagram, Keita posted: “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.

Naby Keita- Getty

“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.

“To the supporters, I have always worked hard in training to get the right result at the weekend. In training I can only give my best. And to my teammates, good luck for the match," He concluded.

Keita signed a contract with Bremen until 2026 last summer.

Topics: Naby Keita, Werder Bremen, Bayer Leverkusen, Bundesliga, Liverpool, RB Leipzig

Tom Jenkins

Tom Jenkins is a Social Editor and Journalist for SPORTBible. Specialises in Football and F1 but has experience covering a variety of sports such as MMA, Boxing and Cricket. Suffers weekly as an Evertonian.

@tomjenkns