Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka has spoken out for the first time since his controversial substitution against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The Swiss international was booed off the ground in the 2-2 draw, responding by swearing and cupping his ear at supporters.
The incident has sparked fiery debate over the past few days and now Xhaka has had his say.
"After taking some time to reflect on what happened on Sunday afternoon, I would like to give you an explanation rather than just a quick response," the missive began.
"The scenes that took place around my substitution have moved me deeply. I love this club and have always given 100 per cent on and off the pitch.
"My feeling of not being understood by fans, and repeated abusive comments at matches and on social media over the last weeks and months have hurt me deeply.
"People have said things like 'We will break your legs,' 'kill your wife' and 'wish that your daughter gets cancer'. That has stirred me up and I reached boiling point when I felt the rejection in the stadium on Sunday.
"In this situation I let myself be carried away and reacted in a way that disrespected the group of fans that support our club, our team and myself with positive energy. That has not been my intention and I'm sorry if it's what people thought.
"My wish is that we get back to a place of mutual respect, remembering why we fell in love with the game in the first place. Let's move positively forward together."
