Real Madrid star hits out at ‘fabricated information’ about refusal to play for national team | OneFootball

Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has recently found himself in a bit of a soup surrounding his international career, particularly amid murmurs that he is no longer interested in playing for the Ukrainian national team.

Rumours, notably highlighted by Ukrainian commentator Ihor Tsyhanyk, claimed Lunin had conditioned his participation on being the primary goalkeeper, a stance that drew public criticism from former players.

Lunin has now unequivocally shut down this narrative by issuing an official statement on his social media.

Lunin’s response to false news

Hitting back at the rumours, Lunin called them ‘false’ and ‘fabricated’, suggesting that it was an attempt to tarnish his name.

“Looking at what has been spreading lately not just false, but just fabricated information about my refusal to represent the Ukrainian national team, I can’t keep quiet, especially when they try to tarnish my name and question my love and dedication to the national team,” he said.

The Real Madrid shot-stopper, who is yet to feature in a single game this season, called on the media to check their facts.

“Have any of you heard from me that I refuse to come to the national team or the head coach?! The answer is ‘no’, because it’s apriori impossible- to even think about not playing for the Ukrainian national team, not to say so.”

These reports emerged after Lunin was notably absent from the team’s call-up list for matches against France and Iceland for their recent FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Andrii_Lunin (@lunin_andrey)

The official explanation for Lunin’s absence, however, was attributed to “family reasons” or “personal matters,” which he reportedly communicated to the Ukrainian Football Association

Lunin went on to state that his goals with the national team transcends his personal ambitions.

“The national team is the dream and goal of every footballer, and for me it is a pride to represent the colors of our country. There were enough games when I wasn’t playing and was substituted and there were no problems.

“So what should they be now when we all understand perfectly that this is the national team, and the team and the result are the most important thing?” he added.

He concluded his statement by stressing commitment and criticizing the professionalism of those who spread the lies.

“Everyone wants to play and that’s normal, but the coach makes the decision how he sees is best for the team, and we as players have to be ready to help. The articles that have been published are lies,” he said.

The unprofessionalism of journalists who make this kind of publications or statements is disrespectful to me as a professional and as an individual.

“Using journalism and news space to misinform fans and resolve conflicts between us is wrong. Peace to all, and glory to Ukraine!” he concluded.

Despite his lack of game-time, Lunin did reportedly reject three clubs in the summer. Whether or not he will consider offers to leave Real Madrid in the upcoming January transfer window remains to be seen.