“Dear club, dear teammates and dear fans. I wanted to clarify the situation and speak to all of you. So I communicate with you via my website, in order that my comments are neither distorted nor misinterpreted. Through this statement, I answer (and anticipate) to all the critics and misinformation currently circulating about me, and why i don't train with my team.

First of all, I want to reiterate that I remain a player of TSG Hoffenheim, I respect my club, and for over 3 ½ years i proved my love for this jersey for the club and our fans.
I know what I owe to the TSG 1899, they brought me in Germany and they believed in my potential, they helped me to improve and being a good player in the Bundesliga, for all of that, I thank them!
I also know that with my teammates and the support of our fans, I had the chance to give back a lot to my club by scoring a lot of goals and being a major player in the good performance of the team.
Today I am one of the oldest players in the team and due to my seniority, so I refuse to be treated like a mercenary or a capricious guy.

Regarding my performances with the club I had a lot of demand and a club made an offer to Hoffenheim. From there I had a talk with our sporting director, to discuss about my desire to cross one more step in my career and join the Premier League.
Recently, I dream to have a new challenge, and a club offered me the opportunity to achieve my dream. The sudden departure of the coach who brought me in the Bundesliga and helped me reach the level that is mine have increased my desire try something else.
I could not refuse this proposal, from the moment of course that my club gets what they deserve.

Both clubs have negotiated and an offer arrived on Hoffenheim's office. From there, all parties were expected to agree on the transfer.

I want to say that I regret this situation, and I suffer from it. The club gave me a green light to leave under certain conditions, which have been met; I hope that the promises made will be fulfilled.
I don't force anyone to the club, who am I to do it? I just ask the club to stick to its word, and authorize a transfer.
My name is dragged through the mud for a few days now but there is no reference to the numerous proposals that I have refused to stay faithful to my club and grow with my team.

In the career of a player there are cycles, and sometimes you have to change to progress. I think the time has come for me. Although I will never forget the 1899 Hoffenheim, my teammates and all the fans for all the happiness they gave me.

I just want to ask my club to be honest and to respect the green light that I was given, I know that the president is someone we can count on.
People who know me know that I refuse conflict, I am a straight person who is primarily a football fan. I always gave the best of myself on and off the field.

Therefore I hope that those who read me will understand my position and I especially hope that Hoffenheim will help me to find a fair solution so this situation is resolved quickly.

Sincerely
Demba BA »