Misquoted Babel backtracks
08 Dec 2009 - 08:12:17
Liverpool's Dutch forward Ryan Babel has denied recent comments attributed to him attacking manager Rafa Benitez over his lack of first-team opportunities at Anfield.
The 22-year-old Netherlands international has scored 17 goals in 105 appearances for the Reds since his £11.5million arrival from Ajax in the summer of 2007, although well over half of those outings have come as a substitute.
The Sun reported Babel as saying: "I have tried to talk to the manager, but it isn't of any use.
"We have agreed to look at my situation in the winter. If there's no improvement then I have to be honest, I want to be somewhere else."
However, Babel has now told the club's official website: "I was very disappointed when it came out because I never gave an interview here in England - I never gave an interview to The Sun.
"I did give an interview in Holland a month ago when I was with the national team and I think they took some bits out of it and added some of their own opinions.
"It has to be made clear. Who published this? The Sun - I wouldn't talk to The Sun.
"I am very happy that the boss made it clear straight away that he had confidence in me and believed that I didn't do the interview.
"I hope people understand. It is easy to read papers and believe it is true and so I was disappointed with the situation and the fact it was published on the day of a very important game."