Albion defender Carl Hoefkens has denied criticising Tony Mowbray in an outspoken newspaper interview.

The Belgian has admitted that he wants to leave the Hawthorns – if he fails to win back a first team place for next season.

But he claimed he was misquoted last week, when comments he made to the media in his homeland were translated by the English press.

It is the second time in two seasons Hoefkens has claimed to have been misquoted and he joins fellow Baggies defender Marek Cech in saying an interview has been lost in translation.

Reports claimed Hoefkens had criticised Mowbray’s team selection and wanted to quit both Albion and English football.

But the full-back said: “I spoke to one Belgian journalist last week – and that’s it.

“But what I told the Belgian journalist is nothing like what appeared in the English newspapers.

“I only found out about these stories when a couple of friends called me and I’m really annoyed.

“What I actually said about my future here was that if the club go down, my situation doesn’t change and I don’t get back in the team, then it is more than likely I will look to move on.

“That is just because I want to play first team football and every footballer has to look after their own career.

“I couldn’t believe this stuff about me not wanting to play in England anymore.

“I love it over here. So does my wife. She nearly killed me when she read it. We both love living in England.”

Hoefkens is upset that Baggies fans could get the wrong impression by reading the quotes he claims have been mistranslated.

He said: “What’s most annoying is the perception people – especially the supporters who have read these articles – will have of me, because they don’t portray the type of person I am.

“Of course I’m unhappy that I’m not playing. No player should be happy when they’re out of the team. But I have got nothing against the club.

“I still think I can knuckle down and fight for my place, which is what I’ve done at every club I’ve played for.

“Whether or not I’m picked again this season, I’ll be doing everything I can to help the club stay in the Premier League.

“I definitely wouldn’t do anything to destabilise the club or the manager. I’m not that type of person and I want to reassure the supporters I would never turn my back on them like that.”
“I had a fantastic time last season. Winning the title will live with me forever.
“Of course, this season has been more difficult but I know, as a footballer, you have to come through bad periods as well.”
Mowbray commented earlier this week on the reported comments from Hoefkens and urged the defender to keep his views behind closed doors.
But the Baggies boss acknowledged that his player might have been misquoted.