Utaka (right) had been blamed in the media for some of Pompey's woes

Portsmouth forward John Utaka has denied that he is on £80,000 a week, saying he earns less than £30,000.

Recent newspaper articles had reported on the 28-year-old Nigerian's salary at the financially struggling club.

He told BBC Radio Solent: "It's been hurtful and upsetting to read what people have been writing.

"People judge you on how much you earn, and if it was true I wouldn't mind. But the reports are totally false. I earn one third of £80,000."

He added: "The supporters have been great and have never turned against me. I've had a good response from them, and they've stuck with me in good and bad times.

"I wanted to take the opportunity to tell people the truth. There's no point people writing things if they simply aren't true."

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