Read the Mario Balotelli apology after the player was handed a 3-match ban for insulting the officials following AC Milan’s 2-1 Serie A defeat to Napoli.

The striker is now reportedly sorry and La Gazzetta dello Sport have released extracts of an interview with Balotelli that is set to be published in full later today, while he also spoke to Sky Sports Italia and Milan Channel.

Read the thinly-veiled Balotelli apology translation below:

First of all I am sorry for my teammates.

They train and work hard with me, so with this gesture I left them alone. I also feel guilty for the fans, who care so much, and of course the club.

I apologise to the referee, as I should not have reacted that way. Against Napoli it was the same old story, the fouls against me don’t seem to count and as soon as I do anything… I just want others to be punished for fouling me the same way I am for fouling them. But I do realise I have to resist in certain situations.

I made a mistake when I was provoked. Mario got it wrong and Mario apologises, but I don’t want to apologise to everyone because it’s not as if I killed someone.

We have to improve, but we’ve got everything it takes to be at the same level as the other teams. I see a very balanced League. For example, Napoli have some great players, but they are not superior to Milan as a team unit.

The controversial icon is also set to “discuss his relationships with Jose Mourinho, Roberto Mancini and Cesare Prandelli” – so we’ll look forward to that!

Translation spotted on Football Italia