Espanyol's Quique Sanchez Flores says sorry for lauding Messi
The coach of the Barcelona-based club has apologised after fans were offended by his embracing of Leo
Espanyol coach Quique Sanchez Flores has apologised for praising Lionel Messi.
Sanchez Flores approaced the Barcelona star after Sunday's Catalan derby and then praised him in his post game press conference.
His actions upset some Espanyol supporters and on Wednesday he was forced to say sorry.
"I didn’t intend to create any sort of negativity," he said. "If that has been the case, that I’ve caused disappointment for Espanyol fans, then I am really sorry because it was not what I intended.
"I am committed to Espanyol and I’m grateful for all the support I have received from fans -- our objective is to make them all happy. If they have to cry then it should be happy tears.
"I feel terrible at having generated this uncomfortable feeling among the fans. I’m really sorry.
"I’ve tried to represent Espanyol as best as I can and I hope our fans are proud of how we represent them. If I have hurt any of them, then I beg for their forgiveness."
Speaking after his side's 4-1 loss to Barça at Camp Nou on Sunday, he'd said: "Messi changes every game, he stops time. He's the only player who could score a hat trick in every game if he wanted to."
Sanchez Flores also approached Messi on the pitch at full time and asked him for his shirt for his son.
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