Crystal Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita has hit out at the club via social media, seemingly in retaliation to recent claims he had refused to play during pre-season.
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Crystal Palace Goalkeeper Vicente Guaita Hits Out at Club
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Absence During Pre-Season Explained
Many Crystal Palace fans were left in confusion when popular goalkeeper Guaita wasn’t included in any of the matchday squads for the London sides’ friendly matches ahead of the new season.
However, manager Roy Hodgson recently revealed the reasons behind his absence during an interview with Norwegian television.
When asked about who would be the Eagles’ number one goalkeeper for the upcoming season, Hodgson revealed his first choice is set to be England shot-stopper, Sam Johnstone.
He went on to explain that his former number 1 in Guaita was “disenchanted with the club”. The English manager added that the Spaniard has “made it clear” to the club that he would “like to move on”.
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Guaita’s contract situation was then explained with it being reiterated that he signed a one-year extension in January, Hodgson made it clear the club would make the final decision on him staying or going.
According to the former England manager, Guaita’s reasons for wanting to leave are that he doesn’t want to have to challenge for the number one spot.
Palace Fans Angry at Former Fan-Favourite
The goalkeeper arrived in South-East London in 2018 and was almost an instant hit with supporters. During his stay, in which he played over 150 games for the club in all competitions, his popularity has sustained but this turn has shifted opinion quickly.
Hodgson’s comments on the Spaniard’s behaviour were met with a negative and somewhat angry response from the Selhurst Park faithful on social media and this negativity was aimed solely at the former fan-favourite.
Many were quick to call him “disrespectful” and call for his release.
It may be a harsh reaction but it’s the reaction of a passionate fanbase who had taken Guaita into their hearts and feel somewhat betrayed by his refusal to play.
Guaita’s Social Media Response
Surprisingly, Guaita remained initially quiet after Hodgson’s revelation and didn’t try to dispute the claims or defend himself.
However, when the official Crystal Palace page on X, formerly known as Twitter, posted the team news for their opening Premier League clash against Sheffield United, Guaita posted a striking response: “Where is my name? So how can I play for Palace?”
Where is my name? So how can I play for Palace? @CPFC
— Guaita (@vguaita13) August 12, 2023
This response came a bit out of the blue and seems to be himself questioning the reasons for his absence, as if there may be another behind-the-scenes story yet to be told.
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The post has again been met with negative comments from fans but only those involved know what’s really happening and fans only ever get snippets, hearsay, and one-sided stories.
Guaita’s reputation and popularity among Palace fans seems to have been ruined and it still remains to be seen whether the club will allow him to leave or not. For now, though, it seems like the player may be about ready to become more vocal about what is happening.
Image Credit: Rockybiggs on Wikimedia, CC BY SA 4.0
