SAIDO BERAHINO SAYS he has been “hit hard” by a lack of self-belief as he returns to a fitness camp in France.
Berahino was exiled to France earlier this month in a bid to improve his conditioning after failing to score a Premier League goal this season and falling down the pecking order at West Bromwich Albion.
Head coach Tony Pulis said the striker was nearing a return to first-team action during a news conference on Thursday, but the striker will travel abroad to continue his quest for match fitness.
Berahino, who has been the subject of frequent transfer speculation linking him with a move away from West Brom, suggested the media’s attention on his future has hindered his recent ability to focus.
“I have had a good, constructive talk with Tony Pulis and the club’s senior management and we all agree this is the best way forward for me,” Berahino said in a statement on the club’s official website.
“This last year has been the most difficult of my career and it has left me short of the form and fitness required for the Premier League.
“I have never been a player who lacked confidence or a belief in himself but that has been where I have found myself and it has hit me hard.
“It has left me feeling depressed and struggling for focus which has made it even more difficult to regain full fitness.
“Constant speculation in the media doesn’t help and I have made this statement in the hope that it will respect my privacy and determination to get my career back on track.
“I want to thank the club for its support throughout what has been a period of turmoil for me. It may not have always seemed as if I have appreciated the efforts of everyone here to help me but believe me I do.
“Albion has been my second home and the club that has brought me this far. It has never turned its back on me and when I need it most has been at my side.”
Berahino, who will miss Monday’s Premier League match with Burnley, also thanked West Brom supporters for their backing.
“I also need to speak directly to the Albion fans,” Berahino continued. “I know many are angry with me and feel I have let down their club. I have to deal with that criticism.
“But I know from the messages of support I receive there are many who still believe in me I want them to know that I intend to do everything I can to repay that faith while also hopefully winning over those who doubt me.”
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Whoever gets to play Mayo in the final is going to have 31 counties against them.
It’s how we like it. Áth Cliath abúuuuu.
Not afraid at all , we were tested by Tyrone an came out on top .. Everyone in the country knows mayo are a different team this year .. Bring it on Dublin or Kerry cause Sam will b in the west this year !
Cool vid.. I hope mayo finally get over the line this year. As a limerick man we feel yere pain
Different ! I like… :-)
Leslie Alan rock , silly cocky dub comment best let your football do the talking Sunday … As a mayo man I hope Kerry beat ye !!
Nothing cocky. Just humourous. Why would ye want kerry to beat us? Afraid are we?. If its Mayo v dublin in the final and you start like ye did against tyrone, its good night Irene
Looking forward to the Dublin/Kerry game, it’ll be like a final.
Poor Mayo, I think they actually believe the hype.
Bless ‘em.
Why are people so begrudging towards Mayo? Seriously?! Its not like they haven’t waited long enough to win without listening to the typical “choke” comments every 5 mins. They are in a different league this year, anyone can see that they have just as good a chance of winning the all ireland as Dublin/Kerry, if not better. Maigh-Eo abu!
Its fear……
Whos begrudging ? Every man and his dog wants Mayo to win and im from Kerry.
Delighted to hear that Ciaran! And in fairness most people feel the same , was just saying that some people seem a bit put out (scared) that Mayo are doing so well this year and just cant seem to give credit where it’s due! I really think this is the year they will do it and well deserved too!
Don’t take it personally – wait till you win it – then it’s 10 times worse. It’s just petty envy.
Don’t worry about Mayo our boys are training for a final id but be looking at Kerry
Mayo for sandwiches, dubs for Sam!
Dubs could get smoothered in Kerry Gold on Sunday Chris
Hang sambos, with Kerry Gold butter, mmmm. All that’s missing is the flask of tae, and a package of Tayho.
Fair play to them.
Sure why wouldn’t Mayo be the best at football, there is £uck all else to do there, except your cousin and sheep.
Fishing, mountain climbing, hill walking, surfing, canoeing, kayaking, beautiful scenery, amazing beaches, good pubs (cheap pints), great restaurants, sense of community, cheaper cost of living. Sure who would want any of that ;)
All that from a bottle of Hellmans. Cool.
And why does 1/2 of Dublin have a holiday home in Mayo then sid?
As a dub (and proud of it ) ive just come back from mayo and to say they are an amazing bunch is an understatement .i found them very friendly and genuine .. So if the dubs don’t win Sam id like to see mayo .. It will be a cracker of a day on Sunday :)
Ah people are always nice to pretty faces :)
You describe it as humorous Paul. I describe it as original, different and cool. I describe your hairstyle as humorous :)
Did he choke when he was on the crest of a wave?
Wow that’s original :)
We’ll beat kerry by 10-15 points, then beat mayo by 6-8, i get slattec everytime i predict this, but watch the dubs slaughter kerry on sunday. #COYBIB
Nice song
Niall I wouldn’t even respond to that pathetic comment
*slatted
*slated
Jesus ye don’t half build yourselves up in mayo, sharon murray you are simply a hype machine, you and your ilk should be playing things down, not ramping it up. Ye have’nt won it in sixty odd years, hold off on yer “they deserve to win it” untill ye actually win it. Setting youselves up for a massive fall the way some of you carry on.