Ricardo Vaz Te insists he did not get a fair chance under Charlton boss Jose Riga.

The Portuguese striker, 29, was signed on a short-term deal until the end of the season last November - but his contract was mutually terminated at the start of this month.

Riga let Vaz Te leave, along with loaning out Tony Watt, after stating he only wanted committed players at the Valley. 

However, the former West Ham forward, now playing in Turkey, says he was committed and claims that Riga took one look at him before banishing him to the U21s.

Vaz Te told News Shopper: “I had a discussion with Riga, he didn’t believe in my ability to help the side out, so I thought ‘okay fair enough’. 

“But, at all the clubs I’ve played for, no one can ever question my desire and commitment.

“When I went to Charlton I knew what I had to do - I had another option but I turned it down for Charlton.”

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He added: “In the meeting, Riga said he was looking for committed people. We had a training session on Thursday before the Blackburn game, and on Friday, he told me to train with the U21s. 

“Thursday was a light session so I don't know what he took from that. By Friday, I was pushed aside with Cristian Ceballos and that was it. 

“I don’t know if he misunderstood me but all I know is that when the man walked through the door, he looked at me and I didn't see anything good out of it. 

“I didn't see a person who wanted to know me, see me, or understand me, he just completely crossed me over.”

Vaz Te made 12 appearances for the Addicks and while failing to score, he did chip in with assists.

He is still confused at how Riga started Watt against Blackburn on January 23 - and then loaned him out to the same club days later.

He said: “My commitment cannot be questioned, so that’s why I can never be mentioned in the same sentence as Tony [Watt].

“He played for the whole 90 minutes and a few days later, he was loaned to Blackburn. Now, explain that.

“I left because Riga came in and he didn't want me there, that’s how I felt so I moved on - I may not agree with him, but I respect his decision and I wish the club the very best.”

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Vaz Te is now playing for Turkish Super Lig side Akhisar Belediyespor.

Charlton are currently bottom of the Championship and remain seven points from safety, scoring just once in their last four games.