Sonko hits back at Royals critics

Sonko says he has shown loyalty to Reading

Senegal defender Ibrahima Sonko claims he has become an outcast at Reading.

"It all started going wrong when I got back from the Africa Cup of Nations," Sonko told the Sun newspaper.

"(Manager) Steve Coppell said people told him I was going out nightclubbing all the time. Coppell told me players had questioned my commitment.

"I couldn't believe it. I like a glass of wine with dinner and sometimes go out to clubs, but only if I have the next day free."

Sonko has fallen out of favour at the Madejski Stadium and was suspended along with team-mate Emerse Fae after both refused to play in a reserve match in April.

But he insists his commitment to the club should not be questioned.

"I had been loyal to the club," said Sonko.

"When the Nations Cup finished I landed at 6am, went straight to the ground and played against Bolton. Does that sound like someone who is not committed?"