Monday 17 October 2016 17:12, UK
Mauro Icardi has taken steps to cool the on-going feud between himself and Inter Milan supporters.
The Nerazzurri captain has been involved in heated exchanges with the club's infamous 'Curva Nord' ultra fans since the release of his autobiography - Sempre Avanti - in which he criticised their behaviour.
Relationships between the Argentina international and the Inter hardcore soured after he claimed fans had stolen a shirt he had given a young fan, while he also took exception to the abuse they had directed at him and his team-mates.
The 23-year-old has since sought to clarify his comments in an apologetic Instagram post.
"I am surprised and disappointed," he wrote. "I simply reported how, thanks to post-game adrenaline and the bad moment the team had experienced, I lost my head.
"I simply wanted to explain the atmosphere of the moment. So much so that in the book I used exaggerated phrases.
"In the biography, I also said 'I used threatening words against the fans and I should not have done that'.
"I'm sorry. Sorry for the fuss that's been created. I simply recounted the incident according to my memories. I didn't want to offend or disrespect anyone."
The statement will have to go a long way to repair Icardi's tarnished relationship with Curva Nord, which appears beyond repair.
An illicit banner aimed at the striker was unveiled before Inter's Serie A clash with Cagliari, and Icardi was subjected to further abuse when he failed to convert a penalty in the 2-1 defeat.
The confrontation is expected to cost Icardi the captaincy at the San Siro, a consequence he seemed resigned to.
I'm sorry for the fuss that's been created. I didn’t want to offend or disrespect anyone.
"The captain's armband is the realisation of my dreams as a child," he added.
"I hope you understand how important you are for me and how much respect and love I have for you, even if you decide to jeer me."
