Updated

The Taliban says U.S. Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl was treated well during the five years they held him captive in Afghanistan and was even allowed to play soccer with the men holding him.

The spokesman, Zaibullah Mujahid, told The Associated Press by telephone on Friday that Bergdahl was held under "good conditions," and was given fresh fruit and any other foods he requested. "You can ask him in America about his life (in captivity). He will not complain," Mujahid said.

Since Bergdahl's release last week senior officials, including President Barack Obama, have said the prisoner swap that involved the release of five high-profile Taliban detainees from Guantanamo Bay, and which has caused a furor in the United States, was hastened by concerns the soldier's physical health was deteriorating.