Lisandro Martínez has released a statement after his explosive interview in which he blamed Manchester United's hierarchy for not doing enough in the transfer market.
The Argentine defender made headlines in the wake of United's 2-0 loss to Atlético Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
The defeat increased the pressure on manager Michael Carrick, who has overseen a run of just one win in seven games.
But per Martínez, United's hierarchy did not do enough to support Carrick in the summer.
"I expect more (investment), 100 percent," he told Prime Video. "I expect more from our technical director (Jason Wilcox). I have to be honest, as players we have to do more, but it is also important when you make a strong squad to be ready for
this kind of night."
Martinez later added to CBS Sports: "We have many games and we have to rotate players and for me we don’t have the best squad at the moment compared with other top teams. But also as a club I expect more. I’m not going to close my mouth. We need more ambition."
Amid a firestorm surrounding his comments, Martinez released a statement on Instagram late on Wednesday, Oct. 14. In it, he said he "spoke out of anger and frustration" but did not walk back the comments or apologize.
Lisandro Martinez statement in full
Following everything that has been said about my comments yesterday, I want to share some thoughts on what I said and how I feel.
After the match, I spoke out of anger and frustration at not getting the result we all wanted.
Those who know me know how I live football, with passion, commitment and a huge desire to win. And when things don’t go our way, it hurts, especially when representing a club with the history and stature of Manchester United.
My words reflect how I feel and how much I want to see this club competing for the biggest honours. Those high standards are part of how I see football and the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.
When I talk about wanting more, I’m talking about the ambition we must all have as part of this club. To keep growing, to become stronger and to have everything we need to compete at the highest level. These are standards we must all hold ourselves to, starting with me.
I know that, first and foremost, it’s us, the players, who have to deliver, and I put myself at the front of that responsibility. We need to demand even more of ourselves and work together to take Manchester United back to the top.
I believe in my teammates, our manager and everyone working to help this club move forward. I’m convinced that the way forward is to keep working together, with ambition and commitment.
My goal has been the same since day one, to win, to compete at the highest level and to give everything I have for this badge.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Man United's Lisandro Martinez issues statement after explosive interview
