EXCLUSIVE: Meite hits back at accusations that he refused to play for Bolton at Old Trafford

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The Paris-born defender made headlines last week after it was revealed he refused to play in the second half of the recent 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Manager Gary Megson confirmed the incident saying: "Something happened at Manchester United that I've never seen before and wouldn't want to see again.

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"Abdoulaye Meite just said he didn't want to go out for the second half. I was surprised and disappointed but we've dealt with it as a club."

But Meite, 27, insists he was genuinely injured in the match and that he told Megson he would be "more of a hindrance to the side if he carried on".

On the defensive: Bolton's Meite

Ivory Coast international Meite said: "I would never refuse to play without justification. We were at Old Trafford — every player wants to play there but I was struggling in the first half and genuinely felt I would be more of a hindrance if I carried on. I told the manager this but he obviously didn't believe me — yet it was proven because we kept a clean sheet in the second half.

"I was surprised and hurt that it was portrayed this way."

Meite, who turned down loan moves to Ipswich and Hull, recognises his relationship with Megson has broken down, probably irretrievably, but he wants to reassure Bolton fans he is still committed to the club.

"I am proud to play for Bolton and have pride in my performance. I want the fans to know I will give my all," he said. "They can have total confidence in me as can my teammates that I will do everything to get us out of trouble. I am fully concentrated on helping us stay in the Premier League should the manager choose to select me again."

Bolton host title-chasing Arsenal on Saturday.