Steve Marlet has performed more twists and turns off the pitch than on it recently.
After playing for France last week Marlet told French journalists that he wanted to leave Fulham but when he got back to London and met up with Fulham Manager Chris Coleman last Friday he changed his mind and said that in fact he now wanted to stay at Fulham.
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| Steve Marlet |
Later the same day, after he had left Fulham's training ground, he changed his mind again and telephoned Coleman to say that he now wanted to leave!
Fulham Fans could be forgiven for believing that Marlet's inability to make his mind up was why he has ended up with pundits labeling him as the Premiership's worst under achiever in recent times.
Fulham Manager Chris Coleman said: "I spoke to Steve on Friday and he told me he wanted to stay at the club. Then two hours later he rang me to say he wanted to leave. You can read into that what you like.
Fulham FC made the following statement:
On Thursday 21 August Chris Coleman and the Directors of Fulham FC were delighted to be in a position to announce that Steve Marlet had told the Manager that he was happy to remain a Fulham player; regardless of the media speculation that had gathered momentum during his international appearance for France against Switzerland on Wednesday.
Subsequent to the statements made by Marlet himself to the Manager on Thursday, Steve has today declared his desire to leave Fulham FC much to the surprise of Chris Coleman, given the nature of previous conversations, and is discussing future prospects with other clubs.
French First Division Club Marseille has expressed an interest in a loan deal with the player which had been discussed by both clubs prior to the recent speculation. Marlet is now insisting that due to personal reasons he would rather not remain a Fulham player and is expressing his desire to leave FFC to join Marseille.
It is a great disappointment that Steve has made this choice and the Chairman and Director's remain perplexed as to what the player's motivations are behind his conclusion. The Chairman and other board members called Steve personally to ensure him that he was wanted at the Club, and Chris Coleman himself went on record backing the player's ability and his future at Fulham. It is with great regret that we make this announcement.
Chris Coleman said:
'I am more than unhappy with Steve's decision especially as he had told me that he was staying. However, this is football and it is simply what happens, so I will not take it personally or become too disheartened by its outcome. I have a great squad of committed players and would rather know that every one of them plays for the club, rather than to have someone who plays for me that doesn't want to be here.'