MOHAMADOU Sumareh thought he would be left alone after leaving the M-League to play in another country.
But life is still a big mess for the Gambian-born footballer who has become a naturalised player for Malaysia.
His decision to leave the Pahang Super League team by invoking a clause in his contract over a pay dispute has led to him being slapped by a two-year ban from football activities by Pahang FA (PFA).
Sumareh, who has moved to Police Tero FC in Bangkok, has appealed to everyone, including the fans and media, to put the issue to rest.
While leaving it to world body Fifa to decide on his dispute with PFA, Sumareh said right now, he just wants to focus on football and not be dragged into controversies.
Sumareh admitted that his troubles with PFA have not only affected him mentally, but are also taking a toll on his family.
"I'm sick and tired of all this drama. I thought by moving to Thailand, it would ease the situation. But it's still following me.
"I've never been in the news for controversial issues all my years living in Malaysia. This is the first time this is happening to me. It is really affecting me.
"I would really appreciate if I am left in peace to focus on football.
"I'm begging everyone to just let this matter go to rest... it's not fair to my siblings who are still attending school in Malaysia.
"They ask what's going on, and their friends too. They are too young to understand," said Sumareh yesterday.
"I want to just focus on football, I don't want to be affected by all this.
"So help me and stop writing about these issues because it can really affect me, mentally," said Sumareh in response to the PFA action against him.
On Tuesday, PFA announced they have banned Sumareh from football activities for two years after finding him guilty of four charges for violating the terms of his contract with them.
The charges were: making press statements without PFA's consent; bringing his issue to Fifa's Dispute Resolution Chamber without going first to FAM's National Dispute Resolution Chamber; failing to attend training with Pahang's Super League team from Aug 3 to Aug 28, and failing to turn up for Pahang's Super League match against JDT on Aug 28.
However, Sumareh claimed that his press comments were fabricated.
"I have not really said anything regarding the decisions made by PFA. I just want to let it be until an official decision has been made.
"This is not something that I want to comment on, ever, because I don't want to muddy the waters.
"What if you were in my shoes and everyday you have to hear your name being linked to some bad press?
"It's not a good feeling and I am just begging for it to stop."
Sumareh, who is likely to make his debut for Police Tero FC in an away match against Suphanburi today in the Thai League, said the last thing he wants is bad vibes and distraction from his adopted country, Malaysia.