The 29-year-old claims he was unaware of the significance of his shirt's design after completing his move to Spain
A Portuguese player has apologised after he wore a t-shirt depicting former Spanish dictator Francisco Franco at his unveiling with Real Jaen.
Nuno Silva, who has joined the Segunda club from CD Santa Clara in Portugal, has claimed he was not aware of the historical significance of the design following his initial press conference in Andalucia.
The 29-year-old has since apologised to the club and Spain as a whole through Jaen's official Facebook page.
"Good afternoon, I would firstly like to give thanks for the welcome my team-mates, the coaches, and all staff of the club have given me," he wrote.
"Today was my presentation as a new player at Real Jaen CF in the press room of La Victoria. Given the controversy over my shirt, I wanted to clarify that I acquired it a long time ago in Portugal and never knew the impact this historical figure has to part of Spanish society.
"I lived in Portugal and Angola and I don't know the bulk of Spanish history, so was completely unaware of the significance of wearing that shirt in your country. I want to apologize to all those who have felt offended or who have been shocked. At no time have I have tried to make excuses for the ideologies professed by this person. I do not have any political preferences.
"First of all to reiterate my apology and from now I hope that together we manage to achieve the goals of Real Jaen CF. Salutations to all. Hala Jaen!""
Nuno Silva, who has spent the whole of his professional career in Portugal, moved on a free transfer earlier this week.
No comments:
Post a Comment