Baines hits back at homesickness rumours

(GSM) – Everton defender Leighton Baines has dismissed rumours that homesickness was to blame for his World Cup omission.

The 25-year-old left-back had been named in England’s provisional squad. But when England boss Fabio Capello named his final 23 man squad he instead opted for Aston Villa’s left-back Stephen Warnock.

According to rumours that he was homesick and that was one of the reasons he was dropped by Capello but he slammed stories and admits his disappointment at missing out.

“I must admit, it was a massive disappointment and something of a surprise even though, like most of the lads in the squad, I knew full well that I wasn’t guaranteed a place,” Baines told the Liverpool Daily Echo.

“I was feeling low because I knew I hadn’t played my best against Mexico and I spoke to a reporter I know about how the game had gone.

“At the end of the conversation I was asked if I was missing the family while we were away, and I said I was but that it’s all part and parcel of being a footballer.

“I’m not embarrassed to admit that being away from the family is difficult at times but I’m not the only player who feels that.

“It’s natural when you’ve got a young family and you’re away from home for long spells so I was shocked when I read some of the reports that later surfaced.

“I’d never mentioned the word ‘homesick’ once. I felt that my comments had been misconstrued and I came across as a bit of a moaner, which is not like me at all.”