Albert Sambi Lokonga admits he was "disgusted" with Roberto Martinez 's recent treatment of him and considered calling it quits with Belgium.
The Arsenal midfielder, who has been capped by his country, was snubbed for the recent set of internationals, which has left his World Cup hopes hanging by a thread. Lokonga was called up in March as Belgium took on the Republic of Ireland and Burkina Faso but he spent both games on the bench, failing to get on for a single minute.
That left Lokonga, who turns 23 on Saturday, fuming and he has considered making himself unavailable for international duty.
Martinez made it clear he wanted individuals playing regularly for their clubs but Lokonga wants clear dialogue with his manager about any issues he has.
He told La Derniere Heure : "I called him the day after the international match in March. I was really p***** off. I thought for a moment that I didn’t even want to play for the national team anymore. I was disgusted.
"Martinez said he preferred players who are playing regularly at their club. He was also not completely satisfied with my training. I don’t think he can portray me as a bad boy who doesn’t work hard. It would be too easy to put up such a picture of me. He can’t use something like that to justify why I don’t get to play.
"If I’m already on the bench while De Bruyne, Hazard and the other stars are not there, then I don’t stand a chance if they are in the selection. Maybe Martinez doesn’t believe in my qualities or he doesn’t like my style. But I’d rather he communicate that clearly. I would have accepted his decision without hesitation."
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Lokonga's international ambitions are not doubt hindered by his lack of minutes at the Emirates. Mikel Arteta's side are riding high on top of the Premier League and have largely enjoyed a settled starting XI so far this season. Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey remain the first choice pair in midfield.
It leaves the Belgian waiting for an opportunity and he concedes his situation is "difficult" with his frustration almost reaching breaking point last term.
He confessed: "Honestly, it’s difficult. I’m at one of the best clubs in England. I could have played somewhere else every weekend, but that wouldn’t have been the right solution for me. It’s a personal decision [to stay at Arsenal]. I wanted to give myself another year to stay at Arsenal and then see what happens.
Lokonga also added: "At the end of last season, I almost snapped. I called my agent to ask him if staying at Arsenal was a good idea. He comforted me in my choice, even though I know I need to start more often to develop."
