"I am a professional and am always very respectful with all the opposing players, but I do appreciate now that it may have looked bad. After the match Ferguson spoke to me and demanded that I do not repeat it in order to avoid problems.
"Obviously, I agreed. I always follow the orders of my coach and am not interested in causing controversy. Gilberto Silva of Arsenal spoke to me and was clear about what their players thought about it.
"He was very critical of what I did and accused me of provoking Arsenal. But he never threatened me.
"On the field I am different from most players. My celebrations of goals with a somersault is an example. This is my character as a footballer."