Morgan Whittaker has denied claims that he refused to play for Plymouth Argyle during their 5-0 defeat to Burnley last week.
Pilgrims head coach Miron Muslic had told reporters that the 24-year-old “did not show up” on time for the match, despite being selected to play.
Whittaker departed Home Park on Friday, joining Middlesbrough in a club-record transfer valued at £5 million, with potential add-ons of up to £2 million.
“I want to make it abundantly clear that I never refused to play against Burnley,” Whittaker posted on Instagram.
“It was agreed by myself and the manager that due to the bids on the table from both Burnley and Middlesbrough, I would not be up for selection.
“I was then told to train with the other non-selected players as I wouldn’t need to be involved in the shape for Burnley as I wouldn’t be playing in the game.
“All of the coaching staff and my team-mates were also aware that I was not included in the squad.”
Muslic went on to say the situation “shows the mentality, or even the lack of mentality” of the forward, who scored 24 goals in 72 games after moving to the club permanently in 2023.
But Whittaker says those claims have upset him.
“The backlash I have received due to the manager’s post-match interview has been devastating to me,” he continued.
“To have my character, my mindset and my commitment to the game insulted is very upsetting to me.
“I have always made myself available for selection, have always trained and I have always given my all for Plymouth.”
After Argyle’s 2-2 draw at Sunderland on Saturday – their first game since Whittaker’s move – Muslic struck a more conciliatory tone over the affair.
“We are very happy for Morgan, I think it’s a good sell also for Argyle, and from there on we move on,” the Austrian said.
“We wish Morgan all the best – he did a lot of good things here in this period.”
Whittaker says he will not let the incident “tarnish” his time at the club.
The former Derby County and Swansea City forward helped Argyle win the League One title in 2023, scoring nine goals in 25 league games during a loan spell in the first half of the season.
He returned for a club-record equalling £1m fee in the summer of 2023 and went on to score 20 goals in 50 appearances as he was named in the Championship team of the season.
This term he has scored just four goals – the last being the winner in a 1-0 victory over Premier League side Brentford in the FA Cup.
“I want to thank all of you, the staff, the players, the fans for your incredible support during my time here,” said Whittaker.
“Some of the most magical and integral parts of my career have happened here with Plymouth which I will be forever grateful for.
“From helping you achieve promotion, coming back home permanently, being in team of the season and to score the winning goal to knock Brentford out of the FA Cup.
“These memories will last a lifetime for me, and it wouldn’t have been possible without all of your support.
“I’m sorry again it ended this way, but I never once refused to play. My heart will always have a huge space for Plymouth Argyle.”