Newcastle United's Emile Krafth has addressed stunning claims that Alexander Isak's departure caused a rift within the Magpies squad.
Isak's protracted transfer saga ended on deadline day when he finally secured a move to Liverpool, who agreed a British-record fee of £125 million with Newcastle.
He went on strike at Newcastle to force his transfer to Anfield and has yet to feature this season.
But the star forward was called up to the Sweden squad for their World Cup qualifiers as he stunned Liverpool fans after training footage emerged.
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Newcastle defender Krafth also earned a spot in Jon Dahl Tomasson's squad.
He fielded questions from the media and was naturally asked about his ex-club colleague.
In doing so, Krafth dismissed claims that Isak's transfer to Liverpool has caused a rift within the Newcastle dressing room.
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"There were many who wanted to see Alex stay, but you understand how football works," he told Swedish outlet Sportbladet.
"I wish him all the best in the future. For me, Alex is not just a footballer, but a close friend too."
Krafth added: "The media wrote that the locker room would be divided. That is certainly not true. Football players understand football players, and we can only wish him the best of luck.
"As Anthony [Elanga] said, it has been very chill. No one has said or done anything. It is just taken out of thin air. You understand his and the club's situation. Of course, they would have wanted to keep him, he is an incredibly good football player."
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Isak was an unused substitute in Sweden's 2-2 draw with Slovenia on Friday.
They resume their World Cup qualifying campaign on Monday when they meet Kosovo.
It remains to be seen whether Tomasson will play Isak, having picked Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres to lead the line against Slovenia.
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The 25-year-old could make his first Liverpool appearance when they resume their Premier League campaign on September 14 against Burnley.
Topics: Liverpool, Newcastle United, Alexander Isak, Football
Nasir Jabbar