"I never refused to play," says Arnautovic
Sunday 27 January 2019 12:54, UK
Marko Arnautovic has signed a contract extension at West Ham, after weeks of uncertainty over his future at the club.
The forward has agreed to add a further year on his current deal, which sees him remain at the club until 2023, Sky Sports News understands.
Arnautovic was told he could leave for £50m, Sky Sports News learned on Friday, only for the player to rule out a move away hours later.
West Ham had already turned down a bid of £35m from an unnamed Chinese club.
Arnautovic revealed his desire to leave the club earlier in January, through his agent and brother, while team-mate Michail Antonio revealed on Goals on Sunday the 29-year-old wanted to leave.
He was not included in Manuel Pellegrini's squad for their FA Cup fourth-round defeat against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.
But after signing a new deal, Arnautovic insists he "never refused" to play or train.
"I'm happy for this and I want to say to the fans that I'm happy to stay, I'm glad to play again, show myself and score goals, to make assists, but also to say that the major point is Marko Arnautovic never refused [to play or train]," he said in a statement.
"I would never refuse.
"I'm happy, I'm happy to come to this point. I'm happy that this club is improving. Step by step, every week, every month we are seeing some improvement and that's good."
Arnautovic said in an Instagram post on Friday it was "no secret" there was an offer on the table for him from elsewhere.
"The fans gave me the power, they gave me the energy and that's why I have to be here and that's why I want to stay," he added on Saturday. "I never wanted to run away because I hate this club, this was never my intention.
"I love this club and I will always love this club no matter what. You have decisions you have to make in life, but I say from now it doesn't matter what happens I will always love West Ham and it will always be a big part in my life.
"I love this happiness, so listen, I'm here, I'm ready. I hope the fans are also ready and we go again."
