After being chastised for seemingly vanishing down the tunnel after being substituted for Chelsea last weekend, Noni Madueke insists he was merely using the restroom.

Enzo Maresca took the winger off the field in the 68th minute of Chelsea’s 1-1 tie with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, and the player’s expression said it all.

Some onlookers were upset because he proceeded to walk directly down the tunnel; his manager later defended him.

It shows a lack of respect for your teammates,’ Rio Ferdinand wrote on X. A two-week fine? I assume the boss who is defending him is furious!

“I went down the tunnel to go to the toilet and I came back 30 seconds later,” Madueke added. You must be watching a lot of games because as soon as I get off, I always head straight for the tunnel to use the restroom. Actually, it’s not even big.

In Thursday’s 3-0 victory over Greece, Madueke was instrumental for England, setting up the first goal for Ollie Watkins with a sharp run down the right. “I don’t view Bukayo as a competitor,” he stated. When I think of Bukayo, I think of an English teammate. I am aware of his abilities and he is an example of a player whose game I attempt to mimic as much as possible.

That expression, “I am coming for you,” isn’t how I look at him. I am looking forward to the manager’s decision; I’m excited to play for this squad and have the opportunity to make an early impact for England.

I feel like I fulfilled my role. Up until my dismissal, I was the one who set up the opening goal and posed the most threat. Whenever I walk foot on the pitch, I strive to bring that.