The Fulham midfielder was surprisingly dropped for his side's trip to Tottenham
Andreas Pereira has since addressed the situation in a lengthy online statement
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By RYAN WALKER
Published: 11:55 EST, 1 December 2024 | Updated: 11:57 EST, 1 December 2024
Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira has slammed a 'malicious' publication claiming he wants to join Marseille by stating he 'deeply regrets' quotes attributed to him after being dropped for Sunday's trip to Tottenham.
The Brazilian was the surprise omission from Marco Silva's squad with their being initial confusion as to why Pereira hadn't travelled with the team to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
An interview conducted earlier in the week associated Pereira with talking about wanting to leave the club in the January transfer window to pursue a move to Marseille and the midfielder subsequently released a statement just minutes before Fulham's clash with Spurs got underway.
Having been booted out of the matchday squad, Pereira addressed Fulham supporters in a lengthy Instagram update and accused the publication he did the interview with of wrongly translating quotes.
The 28-year-old's presence was sorely felt against Tottenham with Fulham lacking his creativity and goal threat but still managing to rescue a point after Tom Cairney struck late in the 1-1 draw.
Addressing what the former Man United star calls a 'malicious' article, Pereira stated: 'I would like to address the article recently published about me.
Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira has slammed a 'malicious' publication claiming he wants to join Marseille
Fulham boss Marco Silva dropped Pereira from his Fulham squad as his side drew 1-1 with Spurs
'Unfortunately, the piece contains statements attributed to me that I did not make, and the translation into English was done in a malicious and inaccurate manner, completely distorting my words.
'In the interview, I clearly expressed my happiness and satisfaction with being at Fulham and my gratitude for everything the club and the staff have done for me, emphasising at all times that I still have two years remaining on my contract and that I am fully focused on the club.
'However, the article includes comments that are neither accurate nor reflective of what I actually said,' added Pereira.
'I deeply regret the unprofessional conduct displayed in this situation and respectfully request a retraction of the quotes falsely attributed to me.
'It is essential to uphold the truth and ensure that public discourse is based on facts.
Pereira posted a lengthy statement on social media apologising to Fulham supporters
It is yet to be seen whether Pereira will be recalled to the first-team for Thursday's midweek clash against high-flying Brighton
'Thank you for your understand. And most importantly Come On Fulham,' he said.
It is yet to be seen whether Pereira will be recalled to the first-team for Thursday's midweek clash against high-flying Brighton at Craven Cottage.
Pereira has made 94 appearances for the Cottagers and scored nine goals during that time after previously joining from Man United two years ago.
His existing contract runs until 2026 with Fulham also having the option to extend the deal for a further year at their own discretion.