Cameroon forward Patrick Suffo claims he has been transfer-listed by Sheffield United because he demanded a move – and not as punishment for his sending off in the abandoned match against West Bromwich Albion, as the club had stated.
Suffo was roundly criticised by the Yorkshire club after receiving his marching orders for brawling in last month’s first division clash, but he revealed to onefootball.com that, in fact, the management had agreed to sell him long before that incident.
« They had already told me that I was on the list, » he explained. « They just used the sending off as a convenient moment to make the decision public.
« The fact is that they have not been happy with me ever since my agent told them that I wanted a move – and that happened after I returned from the African Nations Cup.
« I don’t have a problem with the club but they have a few problems with me. Yes, I got sent off, but that can happen to any player. The way they reacted was totally crazy. A lot of things were said about me in the papers and that was not nice.
« I understand that they were angry with me because I asked to leave and I still have a year left on my contract, but I have decided that I need to be playing for a better club next season. »
Suffo claimed that he had already been in contact with other clubs and, although he would not name names, he admitted that he was keen to stay in England.
« I like England, » continued the powerful striker. « I like the way they play football and I like their culture. Hopefully I can sort out a better deal for next season. I have confidence in myself and if I can impress in the forthcoming games for Cameroon then hopefully a good club will come in for me. »
Suffo certainly impressed in his last international appearance, netting his team’s equalising goal six minutes from time as the Indomnitable Lions secured an impressive 2-2 draw with Argentina.
The African Nations Cup winners have been grouped with the Republic of Ireland, Germany and Saudi Arabia in Japan and South Korea, but Suffo is confident that they will have a successful campaign.
« We are full of confidence at the moment and, to be honest, I don’t think we’ve ever had such a thorough preparation programme, » he said.
Suffo joined United from Nantes in June 2000. He has been used mainly as a substitute during his time in England.
