Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba has hit back at claims he has been registered with three different birth dates during his career.
Mbemba, who signed for the Magpies from Anderlecht in an £8 million deal this summer, was born on Aug. 8th 1994 but reports suggest he has previously been registered as born in 1988, and also Nov. 30, 1991 at the African Nations Cup in 2012.
The earliest of those dates would actually make the DR Congo international 27 this year, but he insists he is 21 and has had tests to prove it.
"I got bone tests done and, as me and my friends all know, the results prove what my age is," he is quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror. "I just go out and play football, no misinformation.
"A lot has been said about my birthdate and the different ages. I proved exactly what the truth is.
"People in Africa know, me and my family, friends and anyone who knows Chancel Mbemba knows I was born on Aug. 8, 1994. That is all that matters.
Chancel Mbemba certainly turned up to St James' Park in style today for his Newcastle United debut. #NEWSOU pic.twitter.com/9qP8DoS1Nm
- ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 9, 2015
"Sometimes in Africa when people see someone doing well they try to bring them down or harm they career. I am not that kind of person, I have my friends and family and I don't have any harmful thoughts in my heart or in my head.
"All that should matter to people is what I do on the pitch."
Mbemba made his Newcastle debut in Sunday's 2-2 draw at home to Southampton.
