Walter Gargano has apologised after a controversial interview about his time with Napoli.

The midfielder described the people of the city as “insolent and rude" and recounted stories of fighting with teammates.

“I can't understand how anyone could think I'd say such things as 'everyone is rude' or 'the people there suck'," Gargano told CalcioNapoli24.

“I'm sorry for all the friends I have there who know what I really think and what I said. My children are, and always will be, Neapolitans, so I'd have been insulting them.

“I apologise, because I've been misunderstood and I disrespected the people who made me grow as a person and a man. I started a family in Naples, I'll be forever grateful to the city.

“I feel sorry, because there are so many people there who are like brothers to me - the 'hermanos' as I call them.

“I take this opportunity to apologise to everyone who was offended. It really hurts to read some of the comments directed at me, but I know they're doing it to defend a city I still love."