Real Madrid's Minambres apologises to Espanyol

Espanyol defender Oscar Minambres has apologised for his outburst against coach Miguel Lotina.

On-loan from Real Madrid, Minambres rapped Lotina for ignoring him and threatened to quit the club and return to Madrid in January.

But the centre-half said yesterday: "I believe my comments have been taken out of context and perhaps I didn't explain myself properly."

"I insist, I never intended to criticise anyone. If I hurt my coach or the fans, then I am sorry as I only wanted to say that I wanted to play."

Minambres made his apology after a meeting with Lotina and added: "It went very well. I feel much happier now and I know the coach values me."