Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan has apologised to Rafinha after the Barcelona star was diagnosed with a torn knee ligament.
Rafinha was carried off on a stretcher in the second half of Roma's 1-1 Champions League draw with Barca on Wednesday following a challenge with the Belgium international, and the 22-year-old now faces surgery on his the problem.
Nainggolan is adamant he had intention of hurting Rafinha, however, and has wished him a speedy recovery from his setback.
"I'm very sorry for the bad news, it wasn't my intention to hurt you," the 27-year-old wrote on his official Twitter account.
"I hope to see you on the pitch again soon. A big hug!"
Rafinha is expected to miss the majority of the season as a result of the injury.
'People will remember us because we got to No.1 in the world rankings and achieved great things - but our biggest regret is that we didn’t win anything': Ex-Everton star Kevin Mirallas opens up on 'honour' of being part of nation's golden generation
‘I’m sure we’d have finished in the top four or five if he hadn’t joined Chelsea in January. Him leaving damaged the team, but we couldn’t stand in his way’: Alan Curbishley reflects on failed Champions League dream after selling key player
