June 19 2005

Andy Johnson

Andy Johnson has handed in a transfer request - but chairman Simon Jordan has refused to accept it.

Johnson believes he must play Premiership football if he is to realise his dream of playing for England in next year's World Cup finals.

He said: "I don't want to fall out with anyone. I made a transfer request which I felt I had to put in to further my career and hopefully play in the World Cup.

"This is something I believe I have to do for my football career. No-one is forcing me to make this decision apart from me and my family.

"I can say, hand on heart, that if we had stayed up at Palace then this would not have been an issue. I would be staying.

"I believe my chances of going to Germany would suffer significantly if I'm down playing in the championship.

"Mr Eriksson hasn't told me to leave Palace. But it's clearly a matter of commonsense.

"I certainly could never forgive myself if I let the chance slip. If I stayed at Palace and missed out on my dream I would be tortured by it forever."

But Jordan hit back saying Johnson is not for sale and says he will take action against Johnson's agent.

"I understand Andy's concerns, but we will not sell him," said Jordan.

"If Andy doesn't like it he can throw his toys out of the pram, but will that really help his England chances? I don't think so.

"I have tired of this saga, and I intend to report the agent to the football authorities.

"I have made it abundantly clear Andrew is under contract to Palace and he is not available for sale.

"He is an integral part of our plans to make a swift return to top-flight football and I have no intention of being dictated to.

"I would rather support Millwall than give in to this."