Drenthe aplogises after leg-breaking tackle

Real Madrid midfielder Royston Drenthe has apologised for the challenge which left Tenerife defender Marc Bertran with a fractured tibia at the weekend.

The 27-year-old suffered the injury during the first half of Madrid’s 3-0 win on Saturday, and is facing three to four months on the sidelines. Drenthe has since spoken to the player to offer his support.

“It was an incident that can happen in this sport, but it is also the worst thing that can happen,” the Dutchman told the club’s webstie. “I did not do it on purpose and it was completely unintentional. I respect Bertran and I am sorry to see him out of action.

“I spoke to him and he was pleased to receive my call. He told me he spoke to the doctor, who said he would be sidelined for about three months. I know he is strong and eager to return to the pitch.

“You always feel bad when it happens, which is why I wanted to apologise to him. He has my full support. I would expect the same from anyone else if it happened to me.”