Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has defended his comments amid a possible sanction from the club.
The Argentine came out strongly to criticize the management structure following their UEFA Champions League Matchday 2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in Spain on Tuesday night, as previously reported by The Intercept Nigeria
In a statement shared on his Instagram account, Martinez admitted that he spoke out of anger and frustration.
“Following everything that has been said about my comments yesterday, I want to share some thoughts on what I said and how I feel. After the match, I spoke out of anger and frustration at not getting the result we all wanted.
Those who know me know how I live football, with passion, commitment and a huge desire to win. And when things don’t go our way, it hurts, especially when representing a club with the history and stature of Manchester United.
My words reflect how I feel and how much I want to see this club competing for the biggest honours. Those high standards are part of how I see football and the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.
When I talk about wanting more, I’m talking about the ambition we must all have as part of this club. To keep growing, to become stronger and to have everything we need to compete at the highest level. These are standards we must all hold ourselves to, starting with me.
I know that, first and foremost, it’s us, the players, who have to deliver, and I put myself at the front of that responsibility. We need to demand even more of ourselves and work together to take Manchester United back to the top.
I believe in my teammates, our manager and everyone working to help this club move forward. I’m convinced that the way forward is to keep working together, with ambition and commitment. My goal has been the same since day one, to win, to compete at the highest level and to give everything I have for this badge.”
The club has now opened disciplinary proceedings against the defender and could sanction him over what it may describe as a damaging statement.
