Ezequiel Lavezzi has apologised after an offensive photograph of the Argentina international was widely shared on social media.
The 32-year-old, who arrived at Chinese Super League club Hebei CFFC from Paris Saint-Germain last year, was pictured pulling a face that many felt mimicked Chinese characteristics. Many, such as the person that sent the tweet below, complained that the image was racist.
https://twitter.com/rashi_kakkar/status/863003076399116288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.balls.ie%2Ffootball%2Flavezzi-365032
In a statement released on Sunday, Lavezzi said: 'Per the request of the Chinese Super League, we took the official photos for the season.
'We were given instructions by the official photographer and I was trying to make some interesting photos by making some funny faces, which would be used afterwards for entertainment purposes.
'I had no intention of insulting the Chinese people and did not do it with any bad intentions.
'I'm very happy to be here as part of the Hebei club. I have had a great time here with my team-mates and it has been a great journey. Every Chinese person around me is friendly and I love my life here.
'I deeply apologise if this photo has offended the Chinese public and fans. I will be more careful in the future.'
Along with Lavezzi's statement, his club also apologised for the image.
'Since joining us at the beginning of 2016, Lavezzi has been getting along very well with the team and been loved by fans too,' the statement reads.
'He has expressed his love for China many times too. Now we have communicated with him and have clarified he had no bad intentions and he deeply apologised for any offence caused.
'As a club, we apologise for our neglect in our work. We will be more careful in the future.'
