Jeremy Doku
Manchester City forward Jeremy Doku recently opened up about his injury scare and the ongoing allegations of diving. Doku sustained a knee injury after a challenge from Diogo Dalot during a match at Old Trafford. Despite continuing to play, the injury sidelined him for the Champions League defeat to Bodo/Glimt and limited his participation against Wolves.
Jeremy Doku said: “I can only say that I continued to play but was painful to play in Norway. You guys know my feelings about it. I could have [been out for a long time]. It happened and I didn’t play in Norway but I don’t want to go too much into it. It is the past now. Thanks to the Lord I didn’t get injured badly and I am able to play now. It is the only thing I can focus on now.”
Doku’s comments reflect relief at avoiding a severe injury, allowing him to focus on his current form and contributions to the team. However, the forward faces another challenge: accusations of diving during matches. Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s manager, has previously defended Doku against such claims, especially after an incident last season where Doku received a yellow card in a match against Brighton for what Guardiola described as a potentially leg-breaking tackle.
Jeremy Doku said: “Knowing myself and my character, I know I am not a diver. If I fall on the ground then it is probably because something happened. In terms of laws, I just know that when I am on the ground I am not diving. It is their responsibility to see if it is a yellow or red, a foul or not a foul – that is their job. I would say in a week, at least one in a game where I feel it is a strong tackle, a heavy confrontation. I would say once a game. Fouls are fine, as long as I don’t get injured. For me it is more about the diving thing. When I don’t get a foul, I am not diving. That is sometimes frustrating because I know my character and if I fall on the ground, it is because something happened.”
Doku emphasized his frustration with the perception of diving, asserting that his falls are genuine reactions to physical challenges. He acknowledged the physical nature of the sport and accepts that tough tackles are part of the game, but he insists on the importance of fair judgment by referees. The forward’s stance highlights the delicate balance players must maintain between protecting themselves and maintaining the integrity of the game.
Fans can catch Manchester City’s upcoming matches on the TNT Sports Prime Video channel, where Doku will aim to demonstrate his resilience and skill on the field.
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