ANTHONY MARTIAL has hit back at claims that his body language shows he “doesn’t care.”
And the Manchester United star insists he always wears his heart on his sleeve, adding: “I’m not an actor.”
Martial, 26, is back playing at Old Trafford after spending the first half of the year on loan at Sevilla.
The France international – set for new contract talks – had a strong pre-season under new boss Erik ten Hag.
And he looked set to lead the line in United’s Prem opener against Brighton before suffering an injury.
Martial has since been limited to just one appearance from the bench as he fights to regain his fitness.
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Some United fans reckon it’s the same old story, with Martial yet to really take off despite entering his EIGHTH season at the club.
The striker has constantly come in for criticism regarding his body language, with some supporters accusing him of simply not caring enough.
But Martial has fired back at doubters by insisting he always gives his all.
Admitting he sometimes lacks consistency, Martial believes any time his shoulders are slumped simply means he is annoyed at himself for missing a goal-scoring opportunity.
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And Martial is adamant he does not play games or tricks, adding what you see is what you get.
Blasting former bosses Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Jose Mourinho in the same interview, Martial told France Football: “Basically, I have to display my disappointment after a missed opportunity so people say: ‘Ah, he doesn’t really care’.
“I’ll tell you simply: I’m a footballer, not an actor.
“A lot of people think you have to be a comedian and I see players who show their rage so that the public and the media think they are motivated.
“All the media circus does not interest me. I cannot change to please others.
“I am not irreproachable. When people say that I lack consistency, it’s true.
“When I have my place, it often goes well, but when I’ve been used less, it’s true that my performance has not been the same.
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“It’s a vicious circle: I’m less efficient, because I play less and therefore I play even less.
“When it’s like that, I can sometimes drop out a bit. A player like [Edinson] Cavani, he’s at 3000% even when given few minutes.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
