Southampton goalkeeper Antti Niemi has angrily denied comments attributed to him, saying he would be interested in a move to Manchester United. The 32-year-old said he was asked how he would react to an approach from a club like United or Arsenal, but only half of his reply was published.
"Quite honestly I feel like refusing to talk to the press ever again," he said.
"I couldn't believe it when I looked in the paper and saw only that comment, out of context. I'm very upset."
New boss Harry Redknapp has already sold striker James Beattie but may have to sell other players if he wants to rebuild the side to get them out of relegation trouble.
Niemi says he was asked how he would react should Southampton receive a bid from a club like Manchester United or Arsenal.
"I said I would at least talk to them because they are massive clubs who win trophies," he said.
"So if Southampton agreed a price and wanted to sell me I would at least talkto them. That's all there was to it.
"I did not say I was looking for a move or wanted to go to these clubs. It was just a comment in response to a leading question."
Niemi said he was deeply upset at the matter and felt he needed to apologise to Sir Alex Ferguson, who tried to sign him when he was at Hearts.
"What concerns me most is what Sir Alex would think of me," he said. "I must apologise to him."
He also insisted he was still dedicated to the Southampton cause.
"I'm fully focused on our efforts to get out of trouble," he said.
"It is vitally important to the club and the fans to stay in the Premier League and that is my sole concern right now."
MMIX
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I'm fully focused on our efforts to get out of trouble 