It's just another dig when most people realise that a manager wants a player but the transfers are handled by the directors of football, like De Fanti & Burke.
There is no difference to Elliott Bennett two years ago. Nsc posters complained that he didn't seem to be playing as well as normal just before he handed in a transfer request. It's all over the top emotional twaddle.
He's doing a job. He's trying to get himself a better deal elsewhere. I really don't understand fans who bring emotions into it. Fans love the club, players don't.