‘I accept and understand the club’s decision’ – Emanuel Emegha breaks silence on Strasbourg suspension

Strasbourg captain Emanuel Emegha has been handed a one-game suspension by his own club this Wednesday. The Alsatians have justified this rather rare decision by Emegha’s failure to “respect the values and expectations set in the club’s rules.” Emegha will therefore miss this Saturday’s Ligue 1 game against Toulouse FC.

According to L’Equipe, some of the recents comments made by Emegha have not gone well at all at Strasbourg. First, the future Chelsea player told Dutch media that he didn’t even know where Strasbourg was before his 2023 move from Sturm Graz. “I thought it was in Germany, but it turned out to be in France. Well, I think everyone knows Strasbourg now,” said Emegha.

On the back of his brace against Lille (2-0), Emegha also hinted that Strasbourg’s poor run of results were partly due to him being injured. “Againt Monaco (2-3), I was not there. Against PSG (3-3), I was not there. Against Lille? That’s it.“

Emegha took to social media this Wednesday to announce that he accepts and understands the club’s decision to suspend him. “I’m 22, I’ve made mistakes and I know that I have much to learn. And I must learn from this. I know that I must do better, and I will, on and off the pitch to represent the club.“

Emegha adds that he had a lengthy and honest conversion with Strasbourg president Marc Keller, whom Emegha thanks for his advice. “He knows how much I love this club and how much I work every day. I also extend my thanks to my teammates, the staff, head coach Liam Rosenior and Sporting Director David Weir and everyone associated with the team.“

Emegha writes that some of his words may not be fully understood, but he reiterates how much Strasbourg and their fans mean for him. “On Saturday, I will 200% back the team like a supporter.“

GFFN | Bastien Cheval