Matheus Pereira Demands Immediate Exit From West Brom
Brazilian playmaker Matheus Pereira has demanded an immediate exit from West Bromwich Albion after his commitment to the club was questioned by new manager Valerien Ismael.
Pereira feels it is time to move on after two seasons in the West Midlands but wants his exit to be an amicable one.
The 25-year-old joined West Brom initially on loan from Sporting Lisbon in the summer of 2019 before making the move permanent a year later after the Baggies won promotion to the Premier League.
Pereira scored 11 goals in 33 top flight games last season but West Brom suffered a swift relegation back to the championship.
Pereira has not been used in any of West Brom’s pre-season games ahead of their championship opener against Bournemouth on Friday.
In a statement on social media, Pereira wrote: "I remained silent and was not going to address anything until after the transfer window out of respect for the fans and all my team mates, however after being called "not committed" with the club I felt extremely disrespected as a professional.
"I've been living off football since I was 12 years old, I chose to give up my family time and just ordinary fun to chase after a dream of a better future for myself and those around me.
"No one has ever seen an interview in which I bad mouthed the club, or anyone associated with the club or even that I wanted to leave the club by any means. That is because I have character and I respect the club as it opened its doors to me when I needed and believed in me.
"Dedication has never lacked and I've always been committed in the last two seasons.
"It is extremely wrong for anyone to say I am "not committed" since I train and commit as I normally would and give 100% every single day. I think it is low to try and degrade my image and my professionalism in this manner.
"I don't want to leave the club through the back door, that was never my plan or intention - quite the contrary, I want the club to be adequately rewarded for believing in me and supporting me for two seasons.
"Three weeks ago I received an offer that would change my life and my family's life forever. I come from humble beginnings, slowly but shortly (sic) I've been building myself up and achieving things with a lot of hard work and dedication.
"I want to leave, I want to seek new experiences but want to do this in a fair correct manner. I will forever be grateful to WBA, to its fans and every single professional that works at the club and that welcomed me with open arms, to those who cheered for me these last two seasons, you're part of my history!"
