Dwight McNeil's girlfriend has released an extraordinary statement after his deadline day move from Everton to Crystal Palace collapsed at the final hour.
McNeil, who has found minutes hard to come by at Everton this season, looked set to make the move to the reigning FA Cup champions after the Eagles had a £20m move accepted.
However, according to the Daily Mail, the move hit a roadblock when AC Milan pulled the plug on a £30m move for striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Palace went back to Everton to re-negotiate and agreed a loan with an obligation to buy for £20m should McNeil play a set number of games.
McNeil, 26, agreed to the move and had a medical, but the move did not go through. Everton sources said they fulfilled their part, but Palace went quiet on finalising paperwork and the transfer was not completed before the window closed.
Dwight McNeil's Girlfriend Takes Aim at Crystal Palace in Extraordinary Statement
Dwight McNeil
McNeil's girlfriend, Megan Sharpley, has taken to Instagram to vent her fury at how he has been treated. She wrote:
“Dwight. I’ve always been in awe of your job, the way you’ve committed most of your life to achieve what only the 0.1% achieve. I know you love your job, the sport and you know how lucky you are to do what most people only dreams of.
“We appreciate our lives, how fortunate we are, and the millions of football fans that keep the game alive and ultimately keep you in a job you adore.
“You've sacrificed a lot and most people don’t have much of an idea of the difficult hardships you’ve suffered and dealt with in your personal life. And we crack on, that’s who we are, we appreciate how blessed our lives are.
“But the world doesn't seem to accept that someone as fortunate as you is allowed to suffer hardships and feel sad. But you're a human, a beautiful incredible 26-year-old human being. And no matter about money or the success you've worked so hard to achieve, you are allowed to feel.
“Tonight, and the last 48 hours, have broken my heart to see how the football world you love so much can be so cruel to you.
“To have something promised to you, you have been dragged along an emotional rollercoaster, and to be toyed with until the final minute. To have 4 and a half years of your life promised to you, travelling, medicals, agreements made…promises made. To have prepared to move your entire life, our life’s 100 of miles away in the space of a few hours. For it to be torn away from you at the last second, with absolutely no explanation. Going from everything - to radio silence, no phone call, no communication and be left, broken hearted with nothing but confusion, has hurt more than I can say.
“I sit with you, knowing in my heart and deep into my soul that you will bounce back from this. I am your biggest supporter. And I know you will overcome this with a fire in your belly and a motivation that no one can stop. I have already seen it tonight, even whilst you're facing the lowest point of your career.
“We live in a world where everyone is aware how big of a problem mental health is. So in football, why do we find it acceptable, because these young men are on a lot of money, that it’s okay to mess and toy with their mental health and that’s just 'part of the job'?
“No matter of money, we all deserve to be treated with respect, kindness and fairly. So I really question the industry tonight. I only hope there's more done in the future to protect people from situations like what I've witnessed tonight. Football is brutal and yes, it’s the nature of the beast, but messing with human beings feelings and emotions shouldn't be acceptable. People only see one side on the media, you don't see the tears, the emotion and the distress I've seen tonight.
“So here's to carrying on being an Everton player The support we've had from this club, especially during my illness, has meant a lot on our journey, so let's keep grinding, keep working and grafting for this badge. Let's keep going Dwight, show them who you are. I'm right by your side."
Everton Speak Out After Dwight McNeil's Move Collapses
Everton's Dwight McNeil celebrates
Premier League - Everton v Crystal Palace - Goodison Park, Liverpool, Britain - September 28, 2024 Everton's Dwight McNeil celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Molly Darlington
McNeil replied to his girlfriend's post, saying: “Whilst even now, I’m still left in the dark. What I do know and have been supported with, I am an Everton player, I will use this as motivation. I love you moo, I couldn’t thank you enough for all your effort and support.”
Everton have also reacted to the post. They wrote: "Still one of us and a big few months ahead. Everyone at Everton is behind you, Dwight."
McNeil has played 18 times for the Toffees this season. He has failed to hit the back of the net and has recorded just one assist. He will be looking to contribute heavily in Everton's next match, which takes place on Saturday, February 7 against Fulham at Craven Cottage.