Fenerbahce striker, Emmanuel Emenike, says he is prepared to stay out of the Super Eagles if Coach Stephen Keshi believes he was the team’s problem.
Keshi has been quoted as saying he is unhappy with the player, who he benched in last month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Congo in Calabar, Cross River State.
However, Emenike in his reaction said though he respects Keshi, hebelieves that he has never been the team’s problem and will never be.
He said: “I’ve always treated Keshi like a father and he has always lived in my heart to be a good father.
“Before now, we have been enjoying a smooth relationship and I see no reason why he should be holding grudges against me.
“I give him all the respect I can give my father whenever I come for a national assignment.
“Before the 2013 Nations Cup, I could remember he called me to have a chat and I was ready to give him my best.
“My performance at the competition was inspired by Keshi.
“He showed me love, he put me through and I always respected his decisions.
“I never thought that I am bigger than any coach.”
Emenike also said he was therefore surprised to read a comment that Keshi and some players in the team were not happy with him.
He said: “Everything changed after the Nations Cup, everything about him towards me changed and I decided to stay on my own.
“But I am very surprised by what he said that he and some players in the Eagles were not happy with me.
“Over what?
“I don’t want Nigerians to see me as being proud or arrogant, but if the coach thought inviting me to his team will not bring result or peace to the team, he can let me be.
“I have maintained a solid relationship to avoid quarreling with him, but if my invitation to play for Nigeria does not stand for peace, I will like to stay focused with my club.”