Football Update: Dieumerci Mbokani insists on leaving AS Monaco FC
AS Monaco striker, Dieumerci Mbokani, insists on leaving the club as he is not happy with the team’s management. Mbokani was brought to the club by then coach Guy Lacombe. The forward was brought to Les Rouge et Blanc only this summer, but he failed to adapt
to French football. Reports also indicate that the former Standard Liege attacker has failed to settle down in the area. Going into the second half of the season, Mbokani has just managed nine appearances, scoring a solitary goal in the process.
AS Monaco sacked Guy Lacombe earlier this week and Laurent Banide was appointed as the replacement. However, even a change in coaches has failed to change the mind of the want-away striker.
"I stand by my decision," the 25-year-old, who has been linked with Everton and Hoffenheim, told media.
"I still want to leave. I haven't changed my opinion. It has come too late. I have told the vice-president, Michel Aubery, that if he had an offer for me, he must accept it."
Before moving to France, Mbokani spent three excellent seasons with Belgian Pro League outfit, Standard Liege. Even though Mbokani failed to win any silverware in Belgium, he still managed an impressive goal tally of 35 goals in 81 appearances.
The Red and Whites have taken a very defensive strategy this season, and that move has clearly not gone down too well with the Congolese professional. Going into second half of the season, Moncao have played 19 games. Three victories, ten draws and six defeats
later, Monaco are languish 17th in the league; just a solitary point above the relegation zone.
Latest reports suggest that the Congolese striker has put in a transfer request, and has asked the club vice-president to accept any offers for him that come the club’s way. With January transfer market still going strong, the Congolese forward can still
find a preferred employer, even a move back to Belgium cannot be entirely discounted. He can also be approached by Barclays English Premier League outfits as many teams are looking for strikers in the winter transfer market. Michel Aubery is left with no choice
but to offload the striker, should the right offer come in.