Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku has hit back at Manchester United's Diogo Dalot following a controversial tackle during the recent Manchester Derby. Doku revealed he could have faced a lengthy spell on the sidelines after Dalot's studs scraped his knee early in the match at Old Trafford earlier this month.
The incident, which saw Dalot receive only a yellow card from referee Anthony Taylor, left Doku unable to play in City's subsequent Champions League defeat to Bodo/Glimt. He only managed a substitute appearance against Wolves on the weekend. City boss Pep Guardiola argued the challenge warranted a red card and has criticised PGMOL head Howard Webb for dismissing the incident too quickly.
Doku, speaking to the Manchester Evening News, said: 'I can only say that I continued to play but it was painful to play in Norway. You guys know my feelings about it. I could have been out for a long time. It happened and I didn't play in Norway but I don't want to delve too much into it. It's in the past now. Thankfully, I wasn't seriously injured and I'm able to play now.'
The Belgian winger, known for his dribbling, acknowledged that he expects to be fouled regularly but insisted he is not a diver. 'Knowing myself and my character, I know I am not a diver. If I fall on the ground then it is probably because something happened,' he said. Doku added that he faces at least one strong tackle per game but sees it as a compliment, saying: 'Fouls are fine, as long as I don't get injured. I see it as a compliment, they can't take the ball.'
Guardiola previously defended Doku against diving accusations, particularly after a challenge last season against Brighton that the manager said could have shattered his leg. Doku expressed frustration at being labelled a diver, stating: 'That is sometimes frustrating because I know my character and if I fall on the ground, it is because something happened.'
