Balotelli accepts that his rash tackle let down himself and everyone connected with the club. “It was not my intention to hurt anyone, I want to express my sincere apologies to Popov,” stressed the striker.
“I was trying my best for the team as I always do. The ball was in the air and I went for it with my foot high. I never tried to make contact with Popov and I certainly didn’t want to hurt him. In retrospect, however, the tackle was poor and I’m very sorry to my teammates in particular that I got sent off so early in such an important game.”
“I should have showed more consideration, but I was so involved in the game. It was not a good way to repay the manager who has shown so much faith in me or the owners and fans who have made me so welcome since I arrived from Italy.