NICOLAS LOMBAERTS has hit back at suggestions he failed a medical at Sunderland - and claimed he rejcted the opportunity to sign for the Black Cats.
Lombaerts travelled to Wearside at the start of the week to undergo a medical and agree personal terms after Sunderland agreed a fee of around £5m with Russian side Zenit St Petersburg.
Stories emerged yesterday suggesting there was a problem with the centre-half's medical, and while club sources initially downplayed talk of a problem, they have subsequently confirmed that Sunderland have shelved their interest in Lombaerts.
It had been thought that a problem relating to a cruciate ligament injury sustained in 2008 was the source of the dispute, with Sunderland reluctant to offer a long-term deal to a player with injury issues.
However, Lombaerts, who has made more than 200 senior appearances for Zenit since sustaining the injuury, has dimissed suggestions of a failed medical.
Instead, the Belgium international claims he opted not to join Sunderland because remaining at Zenit would offer the opportunity to challenge for silverware.
"I took the decision myself," Lombaerts told Belgian sports website Sporza. "I didn't want to join Sunderland. The story about a failed medical is untrue.
"I want to stay in Russia. It's a thoughtful decision. With Zenit, we fight for trophies every season."
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