The Bon Jovi guitarist announced his departure from their 'Because We Can' tour last month citing 'personal issues' and after Jon revealed it was an issue Richie has been through before, it was speculated he was referencing Richie's last stint in rehab, for alcohol abuse, in 2011, which saw him miss out on 13 shows.
However, Richie has hit back and suggested Jon 'stop with the trash talking'. He told MailOnline: 'I don't have any major problems in life right now, I love my fans and I feel bad for them at the moment. Bottom line.
"My opinion is Jon wants to see if he can pull off stadiums by himself. He is making it very difficult for me to come back. Enough with the trash talking! Jon needs to stop talking about me publicly. I am fine working very hard on my fashion company Nikki Rich and this is a private matter."
Although Phil X - who filled in during Richie's previous relapse - has stepped in as lead guitarist while Richie is away, the guitarist isn't happy.
He added: '[The fans] have paid money to see Bon Jovi and right now, they are not getting the whole deal.'
Lord Henry Mountcharles has maintained that he expects Sambora to be part of the Bon Jovi line-up when the band takes to the stage at Slane Castle this summer.
