Demba Ba Opens Up On Istanbul Basaksehir Exit

Ba’s contract was terminated last month, with some sections of the Turkish media reporting that the separation was because of the former Senegal international’s insistence on fasting during the month of Ramadan.

While Ba admits he had an uneasy relationship with Basaksehir manager Aykut Kocaman, he does not believe fasting was the reason for his exit.

"They said it was down to the fact they thought the coach would not play me much for the rest of the season," Ba told Sky Sports News' Inside Football show.

"Because of the name I have and the respect they have for it they decided to terminate my contract early.

"But I think it's more that sometimes I probably have a character that is too strong - I don't hesitate to speak my mind and it doesn't work every time.

"I had a talk with the coach in his office a few weeks ago about many things and I was probably too strong with him that day.

"I told him I didn't like his body language after he told me he didn't like mine but after that everything was fine.

"He told me he was going to start selecting players who can play the ball more instead of those who can run and fight and that I would start games.

"Then two weeks later we play Fenerbahce and I'm not even in the squad which I'm surprised about because this was not the conversation we had. But this is football - things change.

"I don't believe the rumours are true and don't want to believe them either because there are other players in the team who are still playing and fasting.

"But then I also have friends that told me before Ramadan came I won't be playing because I will be fasting so when I was told (of my contract termination) it is a coincidence."

Ba scored five goals in 26 league games for Basaksehir this season.