Alan Stubbs: I couldn't stand in Dominique Malonga's way

Dominique Malonga exited earlier this week. Picture: John Devlin

Alan Stubbs has revealed that he tried to persuade Dominique Malonga to stay at Hibernian but could not stand in the striker's way when an Italian club came calling.

The striker moved to Serie B side Pro Vercelli 1892 this week for an undisclosed fee. The Hibs coach had hoped he’d remain at Hibs but believes the prospect of returning to his wife’s homeland persuaded him to leave.

“We told him how much we wanted him to stay,” Stubbs said. “But I don’t want any players who are not happy with not being in the team.

“Dom had a really good offer from Italy which – I’ve got to say – even on Wednesday night he wasn’t convinced he wanted to go. I had a chat with him, and it was a really difficult decision for him.

“But in the end, he chose – you know there was a two-and-a-half-year contract for him – and going back with his wife from Italy, and maybe that probably swung it.”