Franck Ribery has said that he did not intend any disrespect when he threw his shirt after being substituted in Bayern Munich’s Champions League win on Tuesday.
Ribery, 34, was removed after 78 minutes with the German champions leading 2-0 against Anderlecht, who had been reduced to 10 men following Sven Kums’ early dismissal.
An upset Ribery, Bayern’s longest-serving player, wasted time before leaving from the far end of the pitch and also avoided coach Carlo Ancelotti and launched his shirt into the substitutes’ bench.
But he said on Instagram on Wednesday that his actions were only an action of passion for the club.
“I was always one of the honest and loyal players in this business,” Ribery posted on Instagram. “I have respect for the fans and for the club I love.
“Throwing my wet jersey yesterday night had nothing to do with disrespect or anything else people who believe or pretend to know me accuse me of.
“This wet jersey which I have worn for more than 10 years now and give my everything for, with all my impulsiveness and my will to win, with which we have achieved so much. Some people will never understand what it means to give everything for your club and I’m sorry for them.
“As long as I stand on the pitch I, Franck Ribery, will defend our colours and will play every game with all of my passion.”
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