Middlesbrough new boy Morgan Whittaker sends emotional message after Plymouth exit
Middlesbrough new boy Morgan Whittaker has moved to set the record straight after being left out of Plymouth Argyle’s clash with Burnley on Tuesday.
Whittaker sealed a move to Boro on Friday evening, signing a long-term contract after Boro agreed an initial £5 million fee with the Pilgrims for the forward. But Whittaker had his character called into question ahead of the switch, when he was left out of Plymouth’s squad for the clash with Burnley.
Despite being pictured at the game, Pilgrims head coach Miron Muslic claimed that the 24-year-old had not shown up for the game. In what appears to be a parting message sent to Plymouth fans and after two successful spells at Home Park, Whittaker has refuted the claims.
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It is claimed that after interest to sign him from various clubs in the summer, Plymouth promised to start negotiations on a new deal after the window closed, but that never materialised. They offered to open negotiations again in February if he stayed this month, it’s also claimed, but Whittaker has opted to move to Boro, rejecting interest from Burnley in the process.
Whittaker has now taken to social media to post a message to Plymouth fans, following his exit.
"I just wanted to come on here and say thank you to the Plymouth fans, my time here has been life changing and I would really like to clear the air," he wrote on Instagram.
"I just wanted to wait for the dust to settle, before I clarified a few things. I want to make it abundantly clear, that I never refused to play against Burnley. It was agreed by myself and the manager that due to the bids on the table from both Burnley and Middlesbrough, I would not be up for selection.
"I was then told to train with the other non selected players as I wouldn't need to be involved in the shape for Burnley as I wouldn't be playing in the game. All of the coaching staff and my teammates were also aware that I was not included in the squad.
"The backlash I have received due to the manager's post match interview, has been devastating to me. To have my character, my mindset and my commitment to the game insulted is very upsetting to me.
"I have always made myself available for selection, I have always trained and I have ALWAYS given my all for Plymouth. I even trained happily the next day. I will not let that tarnish my time here. I want to thank all of you, the staff, the players, the fans for your incredible support during my time here.
"Some of the most magical and integral parts of my career has happened here with Plymouth in which I will be forever grateful for. Thank you to the fans who sent me home with letters, gifts and drawings, they will be treasured forever.
"From helping you achieve promotion, coming back home permanently, being in team of the season and to score the winning goal to knock Brentford out of the FA cup. These memories will last a lifetime for me, and it wouldn't have been possible without all of your support.
"I'm sorry again it ended this way, but I never once refused to play. My heart will always have a huge space for Plymouth Argyle, how could it not? I wish you all nothing but the best for the future, and I will always be keeping an eye on your results and supporting from afar. A Janner forever, Morgan."
