Utaka insists: I never had any intention of leaving Portsmouth over the summer

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A reported move to Lille failed to materialise, but the Nigerian now insists he never had any intention of leaving.

He said: 'The stuff about me leaving was all lies. I've had people asking me about it and I've had to tell them it was not true.

John Utaka in action for Portsmouth against Blackburn last season

I've come here to improve my game. I've come here to get better and better.

'There is no such idea of me going back to France. I've been asked about it and it's a lot of rubbish. None of it is true.

'I wasn't happy when I heard the talk, because it wasn't true.

'I felt like someone was gossiping behind my back.

'Anyway, I have cleared it up now. I am here now and will be here.'

Portsmouth lost their opening two Premier League matches against Chelsea and Manchester United, but then recorded a fine 3-0 victory at Everton and face Middlesbrough at Fratton Park on Saturday.