Sevilla striker Andre Silva has hit back at claims from Coach Joaquin Caparros that he is exaggerating his injury problems.
The Portugal international has not started a match for the Andalusian club since March and has complained of a knee injury in recent weeks.
“I’m not simulating an injury, I have been receiving treatment,” Silva is cited as saying by El Mundo Deportivo.
“I have a clear conscience; I have wanted to play and the problem for me is that as time has passed the discomfort has worsened.
“Maybe this has not been handled in the best way and I should have taken a break in December to sort it, but Sevilla needed me and I wanted to play.”
The Andalusian club signed the Portugal international on a season-long loan deal from the Milanese giants last summer for an initial €4m and with a €39m option to sign him permanently.
The 23-year-old got his career at Los Rojiblancos off to a flying start with seven goals in his first seven La Liga appearances, but has added just two more in the league in 20 showings since.
Monaco, Valencia and Leicester City are now said to be possible future destinations for the striker, whose future now looks uncertain.