After he refused to be substituted by Maurizio Sarri during Chelsea's Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City on Sunday evening in what was arguably the biggest talking point of the weekend, Kepa Arrizabalaga has addressed the incident and explained his thought process.
Click through the gallery above to see some images of the incident!
The Blues boss tried to substitute the Spain international off just before the match went to penalties on Sunday, but after an animated and tense discussion between the player and management, Arrizabalaga stayed on the field.
While many believed Sarri was trying to substitute him off for Willy Caballero as the Argentine goalkeeper is arguably a better penalty stopper and also once played for Manchester City, the coach insisted after the game that he simply thought Arrizabalaga was injured.
The 24-year-old has echoed those sentiments, explaining that all he tried to communicate was that he was fit to carry on.
"It was misunderstood," Arrizabalaga said, according to BT Sport.
"In no moment was it my intention to disobey, or anything like that, with the boss.
"He thought I couldn't continue, and – fundamentally – I was trying to say that physically I was fine."
Sarri Comments On Kepa Snubbing His Substitution
Chelsea lost 4-3 on penalties to Pep Guardiola's Citizens, with Jorginho and David Luiz missing from the spot on Sunday night.
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