NIKKI Bull said he was "extremely upset" at speculation he had refused to play for Wycombe Wanderers, after the club confirmed his departure today.

The goalkeeper has this week left the Adams Park side for personal and footballing reasons after making 114 appearances for the club.

In a statement the 31-year-old said: "The past week has been one of the hardest of my career.

"I would like to take this opportunity to set the record straight on unfounded and untruthful comments and rumours circulating about me which have brought my character into question and attacked my integrity.

"On Monday October 29 I had a meeting with Gareth Ainsworth in which I openly and honestly informed him that I was unhappy due to footballing and personal reasons and that I needed a break.

"At no point did I refuse to play for Wycombe Wanderers or attend training. During my time at the club I have played many times through injury and illness so to read in newspapers and social media that I had refused to play was extremely upsetting.

"The fact of the matter is that I was not even considered for selection due to my imminent departure from the football club.

"Regardless of whether supporters rated me as a player or not I would like to think they all respected the fact that I always gave my all every time I entered the field to represent their club so it has been difficult seeing the fans that I have respected throughout my time at the club turn on me in the way that they have without knowing or waiting for all the information to surface before forming their judgements.

"My performances in my last few appearances for the club were not up to the standards I expect and demand from myself and it was clear in my mind that all of last seasons defeats and goals conceded had started to take its toll on me and I needed a break.

"I would lastly like to thank and praise my close friend Gareth Ainsworth on how he has understood and handled my situation and wish him all the best for the future."

Wanderers said in a statement of their own: "The club would like to extend its thanks to Nikki Bull for his time at Adams Park.

"We recognise Nikki had genuine footballing and personal reasons in his life which led to his desire to leave us early last week, which to clarify made him unavailable for the weekend’s match.

"We wish him well for the future within football and life in general and sincerely hope he goes on to make the best of his career during the rest of his playing days and beyond."

Bull became a firm favourite with supporters after signing in 2010, sweeping the board at the club's player of the year award at the end of his first season between the sticks.

Things were harder in his second term as he let in 100 goals in all competitions as Wanderers were relegated.

He was critical of his team mates' efforts last season, accusing too many of 'downing tools' when things got tough.

The goalkeeper is ineligible to sign for another club until January 1.