By Matthew Jones
September 30 2002

Lomama LuaLua is angry that Sir Bobby Robson has claimed that he was too emotionally and physically drained to play for Newcastle after returning from Africa. Lomana LuaLua has added to the mystery over his recent departure on international duty by insisting he was angry at being dropped by Newcastle.

United boss Sir Bobby Robson last week revealed that LuaLua had agreed to represent his native side, Congo for their clash with Libya on 7 September only because death threats were made against his family if he refused to play.

Robson also said the striker was too emotionally and physically drained to play for Newcastle when he returned from Africa. But LuaLua insists he was desperate to play in the three games in which he was left out after arriving back in England.

"It was very disappointing to be left out of the side when I returned from international duty," he said. I had started the season very well, managed to get a couple of goals and was happy with my game."

LuaLua was recalled to United's starting line-up for Saturday's 2-0 win at Birmingham in place of the injured Craig Bellamy.

He added: "The important thing for me when I was left out was not to let my head drop. Since then, I've worked hard and it was great to be back against Birmingham."