Emanuel Emegha: Incoming Chelsea striker suspended by current club over conduct concerns | OneFootball

The striker is captain of the Blues’ sister club Strasbourg

The Dutch international, who scored his seventh goal in 11 games last week against Crystal Palace in the Conference League, will join Chelsea next summer.

It is understood that the decision was taken in part due to the comments Emegha made in an interview during the November international break, when he earned a first senior call-up for the Netherlands.

Emegha admitted in an interview that he thought Strasbourg was in Germany, rather than in France, when he first joined the club — remarks which are said to have not gone down well with the club’s supporters.

A club statement read: “Racing Club Strasbourg Alsace has decided to suspend Emanuel Emegha for his next Ligue 1 match, this Saturday, December 6 in Toulouse.

“This decision was made following the player's recent non-compliance with the club's values, expectations and rules.

“Racing reaffirms its commitment to the essential principles of exemplarity and respect for the collective framework.”

The statement continued: “Emmanuel remains an important member of our team, who has always given everything for the club on the field. He will be reintegrated into the group after this match. No further comments will be made.”

Emegha has issued a response, accepting the decision and vowed to improve.

"I accept and understand the club's decision to suspend me for this weekend,” he wrote on Instagram.

"I'm 22-years-old, I've made mistakes and I know I still have a lot to learn. And I have to learn from this. I know I need to do better, and I will do better, on the pitch and off it, to represent the club. That's important to me.

"I want to make it clear that I never intended to hurt anyone. Since I arrived here at 19, I have always given everything for Strasbourg. I'm proud to play for Racing and I'm proud to wear the captain's armband."

He continued: "I had a long conversation with President Marc Keller. We spoke honestly, I thank him for his advice. He knows how much I love this club and how hard I work every day.

"I also want to thank all my teammates and the staff, coach Liam Rosenior, sporting director David Weir, and everyone around the team. They see me every day, they know who I am and how I work.

"Sometimes my words can be misunderstood, especially if you don't know me. But one thing is certain: I have the utmost respect for Strasbourg, for Alsace, for La Meinau, for our supporters, for my teammates, and for the entire club.

"On Saturday, I'll be behind the team like a supporter at 200 per cent."