Danny Shittu breaks silence on the “politics” which played a part in his Millwall exit

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Danny Shittu will not be at Millwall’s FA Cup quarter-final clash against Brighton – and has spoken for the first time about his Den exit.

The centre-back, capped 32 times by Nigeria, was their 2012-13 FA Cup quarter-final match winner against Blackburn. But he never played again after leaving the Lions in 2015.

Shittu, who still gets offers to play, said: “There were a few political things going on at the club at the time – it was nothing to do with the manager who is there now. Things happened while Ian Holloway was there. He ended up putting me off the game a bit.

“I took the decision to spend time with my family. One day I will explain everything. I don’t like politics getting in the way of football and I believed you went out there and gave everything you had. There were things going on that I wasn’t comfortable with.

“Since I left Millwall I have not been to the stadium or been around the supporters in that way. Whatever happened, happened – it’s not been because of the supporters or been because of the players.

“Chopper has gone into management and he should be so proud of the transition he has made from playing.

“He has picked the club back up and also given young boys the opportunity to come through and play. When I was there a lot of the boys in the youth team never got a look in.

“Moro [Steve Morison] was playing there when I was at the club. I know he didn’t play in the last round but he has been a massive part of that squad.

“I’m sure if he gets on or plays he will play a part on the pitch.

“The day I go back to The Den will be really crazy. I’m looking forward to it. I’d love to go back one day, but a few things have to be cleared up before that is a possibility.

“I started playing football at 17 and represented my country between 2004 and 2012. I turned down the chance to be an over-age player at the Olympics because I was at Millwall. People don’t understand when you are at those levels you are literally never around your family because you are travelling and training all the time.

“I got the nickname Del Boy when I was at Millwall because people knew I was a wheeler-dealer. I’ve got my hand in a few different businesses but I keep it on the quiet.”