Ousmane Dembele unleashes attack on Barcelona amid war of words

Ousmane Dembele has insisted that he 'will not be blackmailed' by Barcelona, as the club attempt to force the Frenchman out of the door during the January transfer window.

The World Cup winner has entered the final six months of his contract at Camp Nou and has been informed that he will be sold before the end of the month.

Having been left out of the squad for Thursday's last-16 Copa del Rey clash with Athletic Bilbao, there have been suggestions that he has played his last game for the club.

However, in an open letter, posted on his personal social media, the 24-year-old has insisted that he remains committed to the club and will not be forced out before the end of the winter window.

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"For four years now, gossip has been piling up about me and I have been shamefully lied about with the sole purpose of damaging me. Was that a mistake? I'm sure it was. From today I will answer honestly, without giving in to any kind of blackmail. I am 24 years old and like every man, I have flaws and imperfections. I have lived through difficult times with injuries; I have been affected by Covid," read the statement from Dembele.

"Without many training sessions I have always been available without complaint when the coach has asked me. I have always done my job as well as I can because it is my passion.

"I forbid anyone to think that I am not involved in the sporting project. I forbid anyone to attribute to me intentions that I have never had. I forbid anyone to speak for me or for my agent, in whom I have total confidence.

"I am still under contract, I am fully involved and at the disposal of my club and my coach. I have always given my all for my teammates. I am not a man who cheats but even less a man who is in the habit of giving in to blackmail".

Manchester United and Juventus are believed to be determined to sign the attacker on a free transfer this summer.