Ghana defender John Pantsil has rubbished reports that he has quit English side Fulham insisting he has ‘the club at heart.’
The 29-year-old, who has been a regular for the team over the past two seasons, was left on the bench for Saturday’s game against Blackburn.
That prompted an emotional message on his Facebook page after fans of the club had commiserated with him over coach Mark Hughes’ decision to put him on the bench.
The emotional message promoted news reports that the right-back had announced his decision to quit the Cottagers.
But the Ghanaian has rejected the report insisting he is fully committed to the club as he will not quit just because he’s been benched.
“I am not a mercenary. I am a Fulham patriot and I am here to stay and the fans know that,†Pantsil told Ghanasoccernet.com.
“Losing one’s position is depressing but like all players you continue to fight to regain your position. Only cowards quit. I am not coward and I have Fulham at heart.
“The fans should be reassured that I am not going anywhere. I am here to stay.
“The person who wrote the article took it out of context but I am here to say that I am staying at Fulham to continue to fight.â€
Some Fulham have fans expressed their disappointment at treatment being meted out to the Ghanaian player who has shown massive commitment to the club over the past two seasons.
Pantsil is the only player at the club whose expiring contract has not been not been renewed even though he played over 20 matches for the club last season.
Five players including Nigeria’s Dickson Etuhu have had their contracts renewed but Pantsil’s apparent snub has not pleased fans of Fulham.
He missed the African Cup of Nations after he suffered a knee injury during his virtuoso performance for Fulham in their game against Chelsea in December last year.