Former England international striker Robbie Fowler yesterday pledged his commitment to see out his contract with Australian A-League club North Queensland Fury.
The Liverpool legend said he felt embarrassed by the drama over his future when he refused to play against Brisbane Roar last Saturday after being told by coach Ian Ferguson that he would be starting on the substitutes’ bench.
Fowler said there was no rift with the coach and promised to see out his two-year contract.
“In hindsight, things can be said and things can be done, but what’s happened has happened,” Fowler told reporters. “The gaffer’s already said there’s no rift …obviously people do have disagreements and at end of the day he’s the manager and as a player you have got to listen to what the manager says..”
The club said earlier this week that the incident was a result of a “misunderstanding” and while Fowler hinted he regretted his reaction to being dropped, he denied it had anything to with his status in the game.
“Not at all, I’ve been dropped before,” Fowler said. It’s not a case of my ego, or me being big-headed, it’s just one of them things. I’d just like to put it all behind us, I’ve been embarrassed, the gaffer’s been embarrassed and I think we’ve embarrassed the club, moreso me.”
Fowler said he would definitely see out the second season of his two-year contract after this campaign and also hit out at reports he had told the club that he would not play under Ferguson next season.
“I would just never give any ultimatums like that,” Fowler said. “I’m here to do a job. I play for a club and regardless of whatever club you play for you still want to do well.”
Former Glasgow Rangers midfielder Ferguson said Fowler would return to the starting team against the Newcastle Jets this weekend, but said he would be willing to drop Fowler again if he felt it was best for the team.
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