Youssouf Mulumbu has played down suggestions that he wants to leave West Bromwich Albion for Arsenal this winter.
A recent interview has quoted the DR Congo international as saying that he wants to leave The Hawthorns for a 'classy club' while questioning the apparent lack of professionalism of his teammates.
But Mulumbu has defended his words, clarifying to the Birmingham Mail that he has been misquoted by the French press.
"I did an interview with a French journalist last week but I am not very happy about how my answers have been reported," he said.
"I have been here for five years now and would never refer to my team-mates that way. I just spoke about the fact we need to get better at controlling games after the points we've let slip recently.
"The general point I was trying to make in the interview is that I want to play at the highest level possible.
"I admitted there has been interest in me from other clubs during my time here but I didn't speak about Arsenal and I also didn't say I would be looking to move in January.
"Not many people had heard of me when I joined West Brom and I have a lot of respect for the club and, of course, the supporters.
"We have progressed together over the past five years and West Brom gave me my chance in the Premier League, which I'm grateful for.
"I signed a new contract last summer and my only focus is supporting my teammates tomorrow (against Manchester City) and then trying to help the club finish as high up the table as possible."
