Martin Braithwaite goes AWOL from Espanyol training camp, refuses to play in second tier

Former Barcelona star Martin Braithwaite has walked out on current club Espanyol after refusing to play in the second tier in Spain.

It's been a weird few years for Braithwaite who at one time would probably have been best known for his failed spell at Middleborough in the Championship.

He then went to Spain and had a good time at Leganes which led Barca to sign the striker as emergency back-up, in a move that left the selling club high and dry.

His unveiling at the Nou Camp was spectacularly bad and a complete contrast to when Ronaldinho joined the famous club so many years before.

His time at the Nou Camp wasn't exactly successful on the pitch though he did actually become the club's richest player during his time there.

Last summer the club wanted to get rid of him but he didn't initially have any desire to leave, which caused the fans to boo him during pre-season.

He eventually left for local rivals Espanyol but life for his new side didn't go according to plan and they got relegated, although the striker did score 10 goals.

It seems he's got no interest in playing in La Liga Hypermotion in the upcoming season and has abandoned the pre season training camp.

According to Spanish outlet Relevo, the 32-year-old joined up with his teammates in Marbella on July 19th but left the hotel recently with no warning and without being given leave.

Braithwaite still scored double figures despite the relegation. Image: Getty

As per the report, there is no agreement from the club that he can leave even though he has no interest in playing in the second tier.

Right now he actually has a contract until 2025 so he would need to find someone to buy him or get the club to release him from his contract.

Currently there is no interest from another team for the Danish striker, so that would in theory mean he is stuck at Espanyol for two more years.

However he has one more option as is considering calling it a day on his career and retiring, just to avoid having to play below La Liga.

The club would need to replace him as Luis Garcia's side look to return to the top tier and with his out of football businesses it seems they need him more than he needs them.

Topics: Martin Braithwaite, La Liga, Spain, Espanyol, Barcelona, Football

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a journalist for SPORTbible with over eight years of experience. Passionate about all sports, he mainly covers football and F1 - Daniel Ricciardo once spent an entire interview referring to him as 'Ryan Gosling,' still his proudest moment.

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