FCBARCELONA.CAT

28.09.2007 13:43

Touré regrets Matuzalem’s injury

Laura Aparicio / Roger Bogunyà

Touré Yaya has asked for forgiveness from Francelino Matuzalem after his tackle injured the Brazilian midfielder and has seen him ruled out of action for up to two months.

Talking to Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona.cat, the Barça star explained the incident during the win over Real Zaragoza in Camp Nou on Wednesday was "unfortunate".

"I let myself become caught up in the moment emotionally because of the intensity," Touré explained. "I did not want to hurt him at all, in fact, I tried to avoid that, but my trailing leg carried forward."

The two players have met before in the Ukrainian league as Touré played for Metalurg Dontesk between 2003 and 2005, while Matuzelam was with Shakhtar Donetsk from 2004 until this summer.

Seeking forgiveness

After the game against Zaragoza, Touré was keen to find out how Matuzalem was and instead of going to change, he went directly to enquire in the away team dressing room. "I went to find him in the changing room after the game," he explained. "I have not come to Spain to be dirty, but to play football."

Feeling sad

After hearing that Maztulzalem will be out of action for two months with a partial tear of a ligament in his left knee, Touré said: "I feel very sad for him. He is a great player and I ask for his forgiveness. I did not mean to hurt him at all."