Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he did not intend to injure Saint-Etienne goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier.
The Sweden star was sent off for kicking Ruffier in the chest during a match in November, but the 31-year-old has since insisted the clash was purely accidental.
He told RMS Sport: “The situation was a little confused because the referee asked us what had happened. He did not seem very sure of himself.
“I felt that he had not seen (the) action. Afterwards, he brandished a red card and I accepted his decision.
“Obviously, I never meant to hurt the opposing goalkeeper. I played the ball and I (saw) it happen at the last moment.
“Fortunately, my leg was not straight. If this were the case, he might never have played football again. Anyway, I bent my leg to absorb the shock, while also protecting me upon contact. This is football.”
