Colombia defender Camilo Zuniga wanted to show everyone that he is really apologetic for the incident where he kneed Brazil’s Neymar in the back and subsequently fractured Neymar’s vertebra. Zuniga sent a letter of apology to Neymar where he expresses his regret and says he is “deeply sorry and sad” for being the reason that Neymar can no longer play in the World Cup and soccer period for an extended period of time.
“Although I feel the situation was normal in a game, there was no bad intention, malice or negligence on my part,” Zuniga said Saturday in a statement released by the Colombian team.
“I admire you, respect you and consider you one of the best players in the world,” Zuniga wrote. “I hope you recover and return quickly.”
Reaction to the injury has varied. While some feel that it was entirely incidental, others, such as Brazilian great soccer star Ronaldo verbalized his feelings that there was malice in Zuniga’s heart.
“[T]he injury was a very violent one,” and added: “We could see on television there was an intention by the Colombia player to actually cause some harm.”
Zuniga stands firm that he meant no harm to Neymar, and addressed the Brazilian people as well.
“I send you (fans) a special message of thanks for all the support you showed to the Colombian team during every one of our games.”
Although Zuniga is adamant that he didn’t try to hurt Neymar in the collision, it is very hard pressed for people to look at it this way. The force with which Zuniga had to hit Neymar in order to fracture vertebra seems to have to be excessive in order to cause such an injury, but we can only take Zuniga by his word.
[h/t ABC]
