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Nani apologises for head-butting Neill

06/05/2008

Manchester United's Nani has apologised for head-butting West Ham's Lucas Neill during United's 4-1 victory on Saturday.

The Portuguese winger was sent off for the incident during the first half of the Old Trafford match.

He may now face internal discilpinary action on top of the three-game ban ruling him out of the title-deciding game against Wigan this weekend.

"I recognise that my action was a thoughtless one but I also have to say I was provoked and attacked," the player said.

"I know it serves as no excuse but that's exactly what happened.

"I regret having done what I did and I have to be thankful for the fact that my team-mates secured a win, which was extremely important to us," he added.

"I want to publicly ask for [the] forgiveness, firstly of my team-mates, who were forced into a greater effort during more than 60 minutes, then secondly of my manager and coaches and thirdly of the United fans, who have given me so much affection.

"Believe me, it was difficult. At that moment I only wanted to disappear. That was what I did. I also ask forgiveness of the fans and the club for that."

Manchester United play Wigan on Sunday ahead of the Champions League final against Chelsea in Moscow on May 21st.