Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez has broken his silence on Saturday's dismissal at Girona.

Nacho was sent off in injury-time for an ugly challenge on Portu with the visitors 3-0 ahead. Portu was rushed to hospital in the aftermath.

The defender has since been suspended for three games.

After victory at Champions League opponents Napoli, Nacho remarked: "My reflection is not easy. I made a hard tackle. It is a contact sport and the important thing is that Portu is okay. I spoke to him. It was a hard tackle, I made a mistake. But I don't consider myself a criminal or a murderer.

"It has been a hard day. It has been scary. I can't get into the sanction. I just had to apologise to Portu and I'm calmer.

"The game was more important than the sanction. It has been a difficult day, I know the repercussion of this club, that everything is bigger than it seems. I've already talked to Portu

"Of course I'm angry at missing three games. Portu is fine and he comes first. Throughout my career I have always been available. For two or three games that I am on leave I do not think that Madrid will fall.

"I consider myself a great professional. My colleagues and my rivals. I have apologised and that's the end point."