Bendtner apologises over nightclub outing

Arsenal’s Danish international striker Nicklas Bendtner had to issue an embarrassing apology on Wednesday over been caught leaving a nightclub just hours after his side had been outclassed 3-1 by Manchester United in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final.

The 21-year-old – capped over 20 times – was photographed leaving in the early hours of the morning with his belt undone and jeans pulled down.

Bendtner, scorer of just eight goals in 28 Premiership appearances this season, expressed his regret in a statement for the incident.

“I may be young, but my actions were a poor error of judgment and something I deeply regret,” said Bendtner, who came on as a substitute in the second-half when the game was well out of reach.

“I love this club and was so disappointed to lose against Manchester United.

“Reaching a Champions League final is one of my biggest dreams and getting knocked out was a massive blow. However, no matter how disappointed I was, it does not excuse my behaviour later in the evening.

“I want to apologise to the club and the fans for letting them and myself down.

“I cannot change the past, but will learn from my mistakes. Tuesday is behind me now and I want to use my energy to fully focus on our three remaining games this season – starting with Chelsea on Sunday.”

The Champions League defeat to United means that Arsenal will finish without a trophy for a fourth successive season.