Football players are 'meat' to clubs, former West Ham striker Michail Antonio has declared in a fierce defence of Alexander Isak's actions in pushing for a move to Liverpool.
Antonio, who left the Hammers as a free agent this summer - eight months after he was involved in a potentially life-altering car accident - has claimed that 'loyalty in the game has really gone' and queried why players should remain devoted to their employers when it is no longer reciprocated.
His strong statements come amid the reported deterioration of relations between Isak and his current club Newcastle, who have been steadfast in their determination to keep the Swedish striker despite his desire to join the Premier League champions this summer.