Morgan Whittaker has declared in a social media post he did not refuse to play for Plymouth Argyle in their Championship match against Burnley at Home Park last week.

He made his comments on Sunday, following his £6 million transfer to Middlesbrough last Friday. The 24-year-old spoke fondly about his time with Argyle but also addressed the 'backlash' he had received after head coach Miron Muslic said about Whittaker's absence from the squad against Burnley: "He was in the selection and he was not there."

Whittaker, who scored 33 goals in 90 starts and 13 substitute appearances for Argyle over two spells, signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with Middlesbrough, while there had also been bids for him from Burnley.

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On Instagram, Whittaker posted the following message: "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.

"I just wanted to wait for the dust to settle, before I clarified a few things. I want to make it abundantly clear I never refused to play against Burnley. It was agreed by myself and the manager that due to 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 team-mates 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 have happened here in 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 the 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."

Muslic was asked about Whittaker's transfer to Middlesbrough in his post-match Press conference after Argyle's 2-2 draw away to Sunderland on Saturday.

He said: "It's a successful story for both parties. We are very happy for Morgan. I think it's a good sell also for Argyle and from there on we move on. We wish Morgan all the best. He did a lot of good things here in his period."

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