FORMER Everton striker Lacina Traore has vowed to take legal action over claims by a former club that he has changed his identity.
Ibrahim Kone, the president of Ivorian club Etoile Sportive d’Abobo, accused the Monaco forward of being called Traore Menene when he signed him in 2005 and says he is owed money from past transfer fees involving the player.
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But 27-year-old Traore – on loan at Amiens from Monaco – denies this, as well as claims he is actually 29.
He told L’Equipe: “When I saw that, I was surprised and above all shocked.
“I didn’t expect it. I saw all of that come out on social media. Can you imagine?
“I have stayed quiet until today, but it hurts. I prefer to train to finish the season as well as possible. That’s the most important thing.
“But as soon as the league is over, my lawyers will take care of that.”
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Reuters
Kone made the claims as he believes his club should be paid a cut of any transfer fees for developing the giant hitman.
But Traore insists he began his career at Olympique Sport d’Abobo at 11 and has never been coached by Kone.
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He added: “Everyone knows him. He’s a reference in Ivory Coast.
“It’s incredible. My parents are still alive and they gave me this identity.
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“He’s tarnishing the honour of my family. My parents call me all the time. They want to go and meet him, but that’s not the solution.
“The law will speak. And the truth will win out. I’ll never accept what he says. He can’t say I’m someone I’m not.”
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