Former Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita hits back at claims he refused play in Bundesliga clash and accuses his critics of 'trying to tarnish my reputation'

Former Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita has hit back at claims he refused to play for Werder Bremen at German champions Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday, with the Guinean saying he won’t accept people ‘trying to tarnish my image’.

Keita, who played 129 times for the Reds across five rather underwhelming and injury-hit seasons, was accused by Werder Bremen’s managing director Clemens Fritz of choosing not to travel to Leverkusen upon learning he would not be in the Starting XI.

‘After Naby found out yesterday that he would not be playing from the start, he decided not to get on the bus but to go home,’ said Fritz. ‘We will talk to him and his agent tomorrow about the consequences and how to proceed.’

But Keita quickly responded with his own statement on Instagram, saying: ‘I wish to clarify my situation at my club Werder Bremen. Ever since I arrived at this magnificent club, I have always shown my professionalism. 

‘I have always tried to help the club and the great supporters, especially during this time of poor results. Since the start of my career I have never had problems with my discipline and have always shown an exemplary attitude. I will not accept any person trying to tarnish my image.’

His team lost 5-0 to Leverkusen in the match that eventually crowned Xabi Alonso’s all-conquering side as Bundesliga champions. The former Reds midfielder was hotly tipped by fans to replace Jurgen Klopp but distanced himself from the job last month.

The midfielder signed on a three-year deal for the German club after his contract expired at Anfield last summer. He had joined the Reds for £48million in the summer of 2017. 

Keita played out the 2017-18 season in Germany with RB Leipzig before arriving on Merseyside the following campaign.

He was the first player to wear Liverpool's No 8 shirt after Steven Gerrard and went on to scoring 11 goals and provide seven assists.

During that time he helped Jurgen Klopp's side win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.

Keita arrived with huge expectations but injury problems blighted his spell at Anfield. He started just two Premier League games this season, largely due to two significant injuries.