NZogbia denies strike claims

Last updated : 06 August 2011 By Team Talk

The Frenchman joined Villa at the back end of July in a ?9.5million deal, with Wigan finally deciding to cash in on their prized asset.

Reports have suggested N'Zogbia refused to train in order to force the move to Villa, but he is adamant that is not the case.

"I was not on strike," he told the Daily Mail. "On the first day of pre-season I was at Wigan. I went to Sweden in pre-season. I was happy to do it. There are no bad feelings."

The 25-year-old also suggests he would have been happy to stay at the club, but revealed chairman Dave Whelan needed to make full use of his market value.

N'Zogbia added: "I was friends with (manager Roberto) Martinez and I just trained hard and thought if it happens, it happens.

"The chairman said he had to sell me as he had no money left but I didn't try to push him or anything.

"I was with the French squad for two weeks after the season until June 10 and Martinez told me I could go for five days to rest. I needed it."

Source: Team Talk

Source: Team Talk