Brentford striker Neal Maupay has insisted that he was joking around with Kyle Walker earlier this month.

Maupay and Walker were involved in an incident when City beat the Bees in the Premier League.

Walker was restrained by the referee and eventually his manager from getting involved.

"I didn't think I should have to defend myself for something I didn't do. The people who know me, they know I wouldn't say something like that, but it is a bit unfair because if I don't talk then people will think I'm guilty," he told The Times.

"I'm not going to say [what I said] but, if you read my lips properly and find out, everyone would laugh. I'm just having fun and, on the pitch, I'm trying to do everything to win. If I can say something that puts you off or makes you overthink and make a mistake, I'll do it.

"People don't realize how much tension and emotion is involved at the highest level. I think it works quite well and if I can get a reaction, great. It's not personal and I'm sure I've never crossed that line. I try to be on the edge but I don't say stuff about a player's private life or their family."