June 29 2009

Shefki Kuqi

Departing forward SHEFKI KUQI has fired a broadside at Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock.

The Finland international has snubbed offers of a new contract, claiming boss Warnock treated him badly.

KUQI, who finished up as the club's top scorer, was dropped last year after making an obscene gesture to fans and says Warnock failed to back him when he returned to the side.

"Every player wants the support of their manager and that’s something I never had," the 32-year-old told the Croydon Advertiser.

"I was never truly backed by the manager – even at the end of last season when I was scoring goals. You want the backing of your manager in any job, but I never had it.

"When I was recalled last season I helped the club into the play-off zone. I scored a few goals, played a few games, but I got the elbow again.

"Then the manager asks me to turn the season around again. Towards the end I was given a run of games and then started scoring goals. Not to be disrespectful, if I played week-in week-out I would score more goals than anybody.

"It really hurt when the manager made me train with the kids – and I never forgot that. But what hurt more than anything else was the lack of honesty from some people.

"In many ways training with the academy has helped me because I’ve come through stronger and as a result I’ve got clubs from all over the world offering me contracts. But I don’t think a senior player should ever have to go through what I have."

Warnock added in the Advertiser: "For me it was right he started the year training with the kids because he wasn’t in my plans and he was transfer-listed because of the gesture to the fans the season before.

"But when we brought him back there was no one more supportive of him than myself.

"We offered him a good contract for two years – OK it was on less money – but his wages were astronomical. I certainly don’t agree when he says he didn’t move for the money. Money is a big thing for SHEFKI."