RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- Unsettled Peruvian midfielder Christian Cueva has vowed to see out his contract with Brazil's Sao Paulo as he looks to earn a place in Peru's squad for Russia 2018.

The 26-year-old was left out of Sao Paulo's first match of the year against Novorizontino last Saturday after returning from his summer break six days late.

When he was told he would be on the bench for the next match against Mirassol on Wednesday, Cueva asked not to travel with Sao Paulo's squad.

A social media post in which the playmaker expressed a desire to "consider offers" from other clubs was deleted after it drew the ire of Sao Paulo's fans and coaching staff.

"First, I apologize for what happened, especially to the fans." Cueva told SporTV on Thursday, adding that a member of his publicity staff was responsible for posting the message.

"Personally, it was not in my plans to leave. I have to fight for a place in the national side, which all of my teammates are also doing at their respective clubs.

Cueva, who is under contract at Sao Paulo until June, has been a mainstay in the Peruvian starting line-up in recent years as they prepare for their first World Cup since 1982.

Peru has been drawn in group C alongside France, Australia and Denmark for the June 14-July 15 tournament in Russia.