'Nothing important': Noni Madueke gives real reason for 'very dignified' behavior during Chelsea-Arsenal clash
Noni Madueke has denied speculation that she disrespected Chelsea by bursting through the tunnel, insisting she was just going to the toilet.
The 22-year-old was taken off in the 68th minute against Arsenal last week. 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, being replaced by Mykhailo Mudryk.
He was then caught on camera immediately walking through the tunnel instead of sitting next to his teammates in the Blues underground shelter.
Boss Enzo Maresca spoke about the post-match incident, where he defended Madueke, stating that no player is happy when they are taken off.
Madueke's reaction led to Fernando River criticizing the England international as “disrespectful”, while insisting he should face punishment from the west London giants.
speaking in his youtube channelThe Manchester United legend said: “Do you think (Danny) Welbeck or Tom Cleverly or Nani are going to run off the pitch and throw their dummy?
“It's also disrespectful to your teammates. It's a young team. Who are the experienced players that are going to come in and say, 'Wow, we don't accept that here'?
“I think the coach who protects him is crazy. And that's why I couldn't be there (as a coach).
“Because I couldn't go out and play the game where you say, 'Yeah, he was wrong, but (he's a good kid).' Fined, it's a two-week fine.”
Even Chelsea cult hero and former manager Jody Morris lamented Madueke when speaking to talkSPORTinsisting that he would be “furious” if he were the player's partner.
But Madueke has now set the record straight on his abrupt exit as he claimed that the outrage directed at him has been a big misunderstanding.
He said: “'I literally went down the tunnel to go to the toilet and came back 30 seconds later.
3
“If you watch a lot of games, when I go out, I always go straight through the tunnel to go to the bathroom.
“It's nothing important at all.”
Madueke has been a key player for Chelsea this season, starting the last ten Premier League games.
He is just one goal away from equaling his haul of five top-flight goals from last season.
Although three of his four goals this season came in a 6-2 win over Wolves on August 25.
Still, his form has included him in the last three England squads for their Nations League qualification campaign.
3
He has appeared in the last four games under interim coach Noni Madueke.
Following the Arsenal star Bukayo SakaFollowing his injury withdrawal, Madueke made his first international start in the 3-0 midweek win over Greece at the Athens Olympic Stadium.
It was Madueke who provided the assist for Ollie Wakins' first goal to show he is up to the task of rivaling Saka for a top spot.
Commenting on the competition for England places, Madueke said: “I don’t see Bukayo as a competition.
“I see Bukayo as a teammate who plays for England. I know his quality and he is a player I look to to try to implement parts of his game into mine.
“I don't look at it like, 'I'm coming for you.'
“The manager will make his decision and I'm happy to be part of this team, and to start making a difference for England so early in my career is great.
“I feel like I did my job. I created the first goal and was a threat until I came out. That's what I try to achieve every time I go on the field.”
Madueke will be hoping to retain his place in England's final National League clash against Ireland at Wembley on Sunday.
