#INSERT type:image caption:Juan Camilo Zuniga has not played for Napoli since April 12, when he picked up a knee injury. END#
Juan Camilo Zuniga has landed himself in hot water with his club Napoli after giving an unauthorised interview to Colombian newspaper El Tiempo in which he criticised his constant exclusion from the squad.
Zuniga has not played for Napoli since April 12, when he picked up a knee injury. Since recovering from injury, he has been training regularly but never made the matchday squad, and he has broken his silence to explain why.
"First of all, I want to thank God that I'm healthy and I have no injuries," said the 29-year-old. "I'm training, but I'm not playing because I'm not being considered by the coaching staff or the club. It is all so strange what is happening because I am fit, but I don't even get to sit on the bench.
"It's not the coach's decision either because he's new here. I work hard all week to give the team a hand, but then I never get selected.
"You've got to be really strong psychologically, otherwise you can make some rash decisions. I've been quiet for several months, but now I decided to speak up because people, particularly in Colombia, are asking me, and I want to reaffirm that I have no physical problems.
"I played at the Copa America and was perfectly fine. If I'm not playing for Napoli, it is because of the club. It's an uncomfortable moment. I can't wait to play again."
That is more likely to happen in 2016, if he finds himself another club.
"I've spoken to our sporting director and he, like me, is waiting for the January transfer window to open," Zuniga added. "But the thing is, if they want to sell me in January, it's strange that they don't let me play now. It's easier for them to sell me if I'm playing.
"I think there are some clubs interested, but the important thing for me is I'm fit and I've left my injury behind me. I've always said to the club 'give me a chance and you'll see' but they're not giving me this chance, maybe because they know it would then be complicated."
Zuniga has once again been left out of Napoli's squad for their Serie A clash with Palermo on Wednesday night, and he is also now likely to be fined for giving an interview without their permission, reports say.