Kepa Arrizabalaga Releases A Statement After Refusing To Be Substituted Off
Published
| Last updated
Kepa Arrizabalaga has broken his silence after his shocking standoff with Maurizio Sarri in the EFL Cup final.
The Chelsea boss wanted to bring the 24-year-old Spaniard off in extra-time, believing that he had picked up an injury.
With Willy Caballero ready to replace him on the pitch, Arrizabalaga stood firm and disobeyed Sarri's decision to come off.
Now, the Chelsea shot-stopper has taken to Instagram to clear the air on the situation.
"First of all, I regret how the end of the match has been portrayed," he wrote.
"At no time has it been my intention to disobey the coach or any of his decisions.
"I think everything has been misunderstood in the heat of the final part of a match for a title.
"The coach thought I was not in a position to play on and my intention was to express that I was in good condition to continue helping the team, while the docs that had treated me arrived at the bench to give the message.
"I feel the image that has been portrayed was not my intention. I have full respect for the coach and his authority."
In fact, Sarri came out after the match to suggest that his confrontation with Kepa was a "big misunderstanding."
However, Chelsea legend John Terry has slammed Arrizabalaga for disobeying the Blues boss' direct orders.
Pep Guardiola secured his first piece of silverware this season after Manchester City won on penalties.
Was Kepa in the wrong?
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: Manchester City, Willy Caballero, Football News, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Maurizio Sarri, Chelsea, Football, Pep Guardiola, Wembley Stadium, EFL Cup
