Whittaker hits back at 'devastating' Plymouth boss' claims he refused to play

The 24-year-old forward completed his move to fellow Championship club Middlesbrough earlier this week amid a storm after Muslic suggested the player had downed tools before the move.

Muslic said Whittaker chose not to play during Plymouth's 5-0 defeat to Burnely on Wednesday night.

But this has been vehemently denied by the player, who released a lengthy statement to fans on Sunday.

It read: "I just wanted to come on here and say thank you to the Plymouth fans, my time here has been life changing and I would really like to clear the air.

"I just wanted to wait for the dust to settle, before I clarified a few things. I want to make it abundantly clear, that I never refused to play against Burnley.

"It was agreed by myself and the manager that due to the bids on the table from both Burnley and Middlesbrough, I would not be up for selection.

"I was then told to train with the other non selected players as I wouldn't need to be involved in the shape for Burnley as I wouldn't be playing in the game. All of the coaching staff and my teammates were also aware that I was not included in the squad.

"The backlash I have received due to the manager's post match interview, has been devastating to me. To have my character, my mindset and my commitment to the game insulted is very upsetting to me.

"I have always made myself available for selection, I have always trained and I have ALWAYS given my all for Plymouth. I even trained happily the next day.

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"I will not let that tarnish my time here. I want to thank all of you, the staff, the players, the fans for your incredible support during my time here.

"Some of the most magical and integral parts of my career has happened here with Plymouth in which I will be forever grateful for.

"Thank you to the fans who sent me home with letters, gifts and drawings, they will be treasured forever.

"From helping you achieve promotion, coming back home permanently, being in team of the season and to score the winning goal to knock Brentford out of the FA cup. These memories will last a lifetime for me, and it wouldn't have been possible without all of your support.

"I'm sorry again it ended this way, but I never once refused to play. My heart will always have a huge space for Plymouth Argyle, how could it not?

"I wish you all nothing but the best for the future, and I will always be keeping an eye on your results and supporting from afar. A Janner forever, Morgan."

The comments were made in response to Muslic's shock claims, as he said: "We need players who really want to play for Argyle so we can always come to them when we need players, who are ready to give everything.

"I know he's a target and linked with transfers," he added, before saying: "He was available today, he was in the selection and he wasn't there.

"So, it's what I said again, we need to change this mentality, we need to change the locker room, we need to get characters inside with the desire to face this challenge and to give it all, that's our only way and our only chance."

Muslic then elaborated: "He was in the selection, and that's everything I have to say.

"Morgan is an Argyle player under contract here as long as nobody has paid the money we as an organisation demand, to pay his value.

"He's an Argyle player and he has responsibilities and obligations to Argyle and like I said, that's one of the reasons why Argyle is struggling for the last months.

"Morgan didn't show up, he was in the selection," Muslic insisted, before adding: "We had a game today, he was in the selection, he wasn't there, and that's everything I have to say on Morgan."

Whittaker completed his £6million move to Middlesbrough on Friday, signing a four-and-a-half year deal at the Riverside Stadium.

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The North East side are in the play-off hunt as they lie sixth in the Championship.

Meanwhile, Plymouth are rooted to the bottom of the table and seven points away from the relegation zone.