Ex-Liverpool star Daniel Sturridge has set the record straight on why he missed a game for his new club Perth Glory.
The forward joined Perth as a free agent at the end of September but to miss their most recent game against Western United on Friday.
Club owner Tony Sage revealed that that Sturridge told the first-team manager he would not be featuring due to struggling with the after-effects of the four hour flight travelling to the game.
The 32-year-old has since taken to social media to explain the situation and called for patience as he builds up his fitness.
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"Two weeks in quarantine was insane! I played last week to help the team and meet the fans which was great," he shared in a tweet.
"It’s a long season so please be patient as we build my fitness up which was always the plan.
"A four hour flight would never stop me playing football. See you all soon."
Sturridge made his debut for his new club on November 20 where he came on as. a substitute against Adelaide United.
Perth's chief executive officer Tony Pignata also confirmed it wasn't the player's decision not to feature.
"Like any player Daniel wanted to play but we have had a plan for Daniel before he arrived to build his fitness and integrate him into the team.
"We want to have and will have the best Daniel Sturridge on the field when the time is right.
"Daniel has just recently finished 2 weeks in hotel quarantine and he has just started training with the squad.
"Last week, given it was a home game and a sell-out crowd Daniel played some minutes in front of our home fans.
"Daniel is no different than any other player. He will play when deemed ready by the medical team and Richie."
