Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele has issued a statement following the club's announcement that he must leave during the January transfer window.
Mateu Alemany, the Catalan giants' director of football, revealed on Thursday that the 24-year-old was refusing to sign a new deal with the club.
Dembele's pay demands are claimed to have rendered manager Xavi'speechless,' and the France international has broken his silence.
"As of today, it's over," he wrote on Instagram. From today on, I will answer honestly and refuse to succumb to any form of blackmail. I'm 24 years old, and I have flaws and imperfections like every other male.
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"I've had to deal with difficult situations and injuries, and Covid has had an impact on my life.
"The coach has requested me even when we haven't had a single training session, and I have always complied without question. Because it is my passion, I will perform as well as I have always done.
"I am completely conscious of my good fortune in being able to devote myself to the most beautiful work on the planet."
Dembele has been plagued by injuries since joining Borussia Dortmund for £105 million in 2017.
Under a number of coaches, he's never been able to secure a starting spot, and some have questioned his temperament.
Dembele has stated that he will not 'give in to blackmail' and that he is ready to play.
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He went on to say: "I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea that I'm not active in the sports initiative.
"I forbid anyone from accusing me of having intents that I have never had. No one is allowed to speak to me or my agent, in whom I have complete faith. I'm still under contract, but I'm totally engaged and available to my team and coach.
"I've always gone above and beyond for my coworkers and all of my partners. That is not going to alter right now. I am not a man who cheats, and I am even less of a man who succumbs to blackmail."
The Blaugrana are keen to cut their salary cost, thus Philippe Coutinho has already been loaned to Aston Villa.
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Oscar Mingueza is in talks with Valencia, and Barcelona is still looking for a long-term solution for Samuel Umtiti.
Barcelona were eliminated from the Copa del Rey after a 3-2 loss to Athletic Bilbao on Thursday evening. Dembele did not play in the game.
Barcelona is in sixth place in La Liga and will face Alaves on Sunday.
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