Source: Daily_Mail
Stephen Ireland claims magazine twisted his words about Aston Villa and Birmingham
Newcastle midfielder Stephen Ireland has insisted he was misquoted amid reports claiming he slated former club Aston Villa and the cities of Cork and Birmingham.[LNB] The 24-year-old, whose hopes of making a debut for the Magpies against Everton on Saturday are being hampered by a fresh injury setback, found himself in the headlines once again on the eve of the game. [LNB]In an interview with French football magazine So Foot, he reportedly criticised home-town Cork and Birmingham, as well as Villa boss Gerard Houllier and manchester City manager Roberto Mancini. [LNB]On hold: Ireland (centre) could be forced to wait for his Toon debut due to injury[LNB]However, Ireland, on loan St James' Park for the rest of the season, has issued a statement saying some of his comments had been taken out of context and apologising to anyone offended by them. [LNB]He said: 'I'm upset with what has been printed this morning because I feel like I've been portrayed in the wrong way. [LNB]'I was misquoted and things have been blown way out of proportion. That is the reason why I feel like I needed to say something because the quotes are very unfair. [LNB]'What I said during the interview has been twisted to sound particularly blunt, and a lot of what was written about my home town of Cork - which me and my family visit regularly - was just plain ridiculous. [LNB] 'The comments regarding Birmingham were also taken way out of context as I had only been at Villa a few months and didn't even live there, so I have no idea what Birmingham is like to live in. [LNB]'Everyone I have met from Birmingham have been nice - my girlfriend's father is from Birmingham, so why would I say that? It's just crazy. [LNB]'I can only apologise if anyone was offended, but the way the interview was written made me sound very harsh, and I am not that kind of person.'[LNB] Ireland is said to have described Birmingham as a 'cr*p' city, and said he would rather shoot himself than live in Cork.[LNB] The interview also includes comments claiming he has no interest in playing international football for the Republic of Ireland again despite several attempts by manager Giovanni Trapattoni to tempt him to return. [LNB]Ireland has spoken previously of his frustration at the treatment he received at the hands of Mancini and Houllier. [LNB] 'Birmingham is a c**p city and Houllier didn't want me!' Ireland's Villa hellIreland blow for Newcastle - knee injury casts doubt over Magpies debut All the latest Aston Villa news, features and opinion All the latest Newcastle news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Roberto Mancini, Gerard Houllier Places: Birmingham, Newcastle, Republic of Ireland, Ireland
