Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has expressed regret over his birthday farce. Toure, only a year into a four-year deal worth £250,000 a week, has since fuelled fears he was looking for a move by expressing an interest in joining Paris Saint Germain or former club Barcelona.
But aware of an angry backlash from City fans, Toure attempted a damage limitation exercise, saying, as quoted by the Daily Express: "It has been disappointing and regrettable.
"If you read between the lines you see that I am just asking for some respect. I want to take the opportunity to put things back into context. This is very important.
"Nothing is planned for the time being. Too many things have been said and they have annoyed me.
"After the season I'd had, I felt I needed to speak out about certain matters. All I said was that it was pleasing for me to be a player in such demand and that it is an honour to play for PSG. My words were taken out of context."
