Keita hits back at Werder over claim he went home after being left out of starting lineup

Naby Keita has hit back at claims he went home after learning he wouldn’t be in Werder Bremen’s starting lineup against Bayer Leverkusen, denying he has any disciplinary problems.

On Sunday, Werder Bremen announced that Naby Keita was not in the squad for the match against Bayer Leverkusen, stating that he opted to travel home after learning he wouldn’t be in the starting line-up.

“After finding out yesterday that he wasn’t in the starting XI, Naby decided not to come with us to the ground and instead chose to travel home. We’ll talk to him and his advisor tomorrow about the consequences and the way forward,” said Werder’s head of first-team football, Clemenz Fritz.

Keita has now responded to the statement, denying that he has any disciplinary problems.

“Since the first day I signed for this great club, I have always worked selflessly and professionally. My only desire has always been to help the club and bring joy to the many fans, especially at a time when the results are not as we would like them to be,” Keita wrote on Instagram.

“Since the beginning of my career, wherever I’ve been, I’ve never had problems with discipline and I’ve always tried to be a role model. So I won’t accept anybody tarnishing that image.

“To the fans: I want you to know that I fight every training session to make you happy every weekend. Training, giving everything, these are the limits of my strength. Allez, Werder!”

The midfielder has made just five appearances and played 107 minutes of football for Werder since joining from Liverpool last summer.