Alexander Isak has accused Newcastle of breaking a promise to him in a bombshell statement as he finally confirmed his desire to leave the club amid interest from Liverpool.
The Swedish star, 25, has gone on strike to force a move to Arne Slot’s side but remains in limbo over his future.
Isak also decided to skip Tuesday night’s PFA awards ceremony in Manchester despite being named in the team of the year because of the situation with Newcastle.
Speaking publicly for the first time on the saga, he said: ‘I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn’t reflect what was really Isaid and agreed behind closed doors.
‘The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading.
‘When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue. That’s where things are for me right now and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself.’
Alexander Isak appears to have hit out at Newcastle in a bombshell statement on social media
Isak was the subject of a £110million bid from Arne Slot’s side last month, which was promptly rejected by the Newcastle hierarchy, who are believed to value the Swedish striker at closer to £150m.
The saga began at the beginning of the summer when the talented frontman initially reported an injury to keep him out of the Magpies’ pre-season tour and the stand-off has continued since.
Isak was not with the Newcastle squad for the 0-0 draw away at Aston Villa in their Premier League opener on Sunday and the travelling fans aimed a series of x-rated chants at their absent frontman after full-time.
On Saturday, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was unsurprisingly probed on the issue of Isak’s future at every opportunity and he provided an update after the Villa clash.
‘We would like a resolution,’ he said. ‘I am talking about myself, I am sure the ownership, and the players. We need that clarity. You don’t need any distraction.
‘But I am not in control of that. I think only one person really (Isak) can control that.’
He added: ‘This season, any season, every season, is going to be hard enough. You don’t need any kind of distraction to swerve your thoughts, to unbalance what we’re doing.
‘I hope it’s resolved quickly, because it’s news around us all the time. The players have managed to shut that out and perform. We have to continue to do that.’
