Former Hearts of Oak midfielder Emmanuel Nettey has revealed that he secretly recorded a conversation with a board member of the club to shield himself from potential false narratives surrounding his exit.

The 33-year-old left the Ghanaian giants in 2022 to join Duhok SC in Iraq, but rumours quickly surfaced claiming that he had made “outrageous” financial demands before parting ways with the Phobians.

Speaking to 3Sports’ Bill Eshun on WarmUp Plus, Nettey disclosed that he anticipated an attempt to tarnish his image and therefore took precautionary measures.

“I recorded the convo I had with the board member without his knowledge because I know this is what they do,” Nettey said. “They are going to paint you black to the supporters and then they are going to come at you.”

He said the move was prompted after a friend shared a voice note in which a Hearts of Oak board member alleged that Nettey’s wage demands were unreasonably high.

“A friend of mine sent me a voice note on what one of the Hearts of Oak board members said — that I was asking for an outrageous amount,” Nettey explained.

Speaking about how the staunch fan wanted to defend him against the authorities, Nettey said:
“I said no. I came to the club without any qualms so I don’t want to leave with a stain on my shirt. Let me leave peacefully.”

Despite being pushed, Nettey wanted to walk away with dignity and proof of what really happened behind the scenes.

The former Inter Allies star who was hailed by many during his time on the local scene now plies his trade in Oman for Sohar SC.