Nice try, Tanguy! "I'm not fat! My bones are big!"

Former French international Tanguy Ndombele should try being a comedian when his football career eventually fizzles out. The 26-year-old midfielder has six kilograms of unwanted fat and one deluded excuse. He says his bones are big. Seriously.

Ndombele's time at Galatasaray, on loan from Tottenham, has been marred by criticism regarding his performance and preparation. Despite being Tottenham's record signing in 2019, he failed to convince a succession of managers at the club that his on-field contributions matched his talent. Loan spells at Lyon and Napoli did not result in permanent deals, and after failing to impress Ange Postecoglou, he was loaned to Galatasaray, marking his fourth club in four years.

Postecoglou previously acknowledged that Ndombele was not at the required physical level for the style of football he wanted to implement. Concerns about the Frenchman with Congolese roots and his fitness followed him to Turkey, with reports in the national media stating that he arrived in the country six kilos overweight. Additionally, Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk was displeased with Ndombele's dietary habits. It was reported that despite following a prescribed dietary program at the club's training ground, Ndombele was caught eating junk food at his hotel, including ordering a burger after the Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich, leading to a confrontation with the coach.

Reports suggested that Ndombele would not play for the team until he reduced his body weight to 75kg. He was excluded from the squad for Galatasaray's recent match against Rizespor, and there were conflicting reports about whether this was due to an injury or his weight issue. While Galatasaray has the option to buy Ndombele for $15.9 million, his limited playing time in the league and the Champions League has raised speculation that his loan may be terminated in January. This would leave Tottenham searching for another destination for the midfielder.

In contrast, Ndombele's former Tottenham teammate, Davinson Sanchez, who joined Galatasaray on a permanent deal, has been a regular starter in their defence. The Galatasaray fans have also expressed disappointment with Ndombele's performances in the team thus far, with some criticism directed at his Champions League display, where he lost the ball and failed to track back. Ndombele was quoted giving one of the most comical excuses overweight people can utter.

"I have been exposed to such reactions in the past years as well. I am not overweight. My bones are big. I will prove myself to everyone in a short time."

Quotes from four years ago, originating from a Daily Telegraph interview, highlighted Ndombele's past struggles with weight management and his journey to fitness. An amateur club played a pivotal role in helping him regain fitness and earn a second chance at Amiens, eventually leading to his successful move to Lyon and Champions League performances. However, since joining Tottenham in a high-profile transfer, Ndombele has struggled to consistently match his undeniable talent with the required workrate.