Emi Buendia has revealed a conversation with Daniel Farke convinced him to stay at Norwich City.
The attacking midfielder was linked with a move to Leeds United and Aston Villa in the summer, with Canaries boss Farke criticising his training standards following the transfer speculation.
It led to Farke leaving Buendia and Todd Cantwell - who was also linked with Leeds - out of the Norwich squad for a game against Bournemouth as talk over their future continued.
Yet both Buendia and Cantwell eventually stayed at Carrow Road, with the Argentine crediting Farke's intervention as a key reason for him not seeking a move.
Speaking to Eastern Daily Press, Buendia admitted he was originally frustrated at being denied a move but soon understood Farke's thinking.
He said: “For the Bournemouth game, it wasn’t a very good week for me. I was a bit annoyed with my situation about everything,” Buendia said.
“The boss decided that I couldn’t play that game because he always picks the best option for the team. I understood and I talked to him. I’m really happy with that meeting with him because I learned a lot about my situation.
“After that, I changed my mind, I trained more in each training session and the situation changed and I could be back in the team for the next game.”
The speculation was part of a difficult start to the season for Buendia, who also struggled with injuries.
It means the 23-year-old admits he is still trying to refind his best form for Norwich
He said: “It was a difficult beginning of the season for me. I was suspended from the last year and then in pre-season I missed two or three games with a small injury in the training camp in Germany.
“When I had the chance to get back in the team in the first home against Preston, in the last training session I had a small kick in my leg.
“I tried to be in the squad but Saturday morning before the game, I went to see the physio and tried to do something to be in game but it was impossible. My leg was swollen and really sore.
“I’ve started a bit sloppy with the games because it was difficult to play a competitive game after two months out and even today, I’m still trying to find my best level.”
