An African star playing in Europe has issued a public apology after showing what many would consider to be an offensive gesture.
Real Sociedad striker Umar Sadiq could be in trouble with his club after taking to social media to post an image of a middle finger on Sunday, according to Punch.
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The Nigeria striker moved to the LALIGA side from Almeria for a reported fee of €20 million (around R404 million) in 2022, but has faced his fair share of troubles since.
Despite scoring three goals in his first five matches for the Txuri-Urdinak at the beginning of the 2022/23 season, the attacker picked up an ACL injury against Atletico Madrid that would rule him out of action for a period of 11 months.
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Many feel Umar has been a shadow of himself since recovering from the injury that kept him out for so long.
Over the course of the past campaign, the attacker made 36 appearances across all competitions, but managed to net just three goals and pick up only one assist.
It has been suggested that the forward submitted a transfer request in May this year, while he has also been linked with a move to fellow Spanish outfit Getafe with his future at Sociedad said to be uncertain.
While the exact reason behind the Nigerian's offensive social media post – which has since been deleted – remains unknown, speculation has it that it was a response to the Spanish club telling him he can look for a new team as he was considered surplus to requirements.
The player has come out to apologise for the gesture, insisting it was a mistake.
"Apology for my recent post; it was a post by mistake; I didn't do it intentionally," Sadiq wrote, per Punch.
"I am not referring to something or against anyone," he wrote.
"Thank you for your understanding. Y'all should stay blessed."
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