Luis Suarez apologises for biting Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup

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Uruguay forward Luis Suarez admits deep regret for the incident that led him to being sent home from Brazil, but no reference to Liverpool increases chance of Barcelona move

Luis Suárez has finally admitted he bit Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini and apologised for the conduct that led to his banishment from the World Cup.

The Uruguayan and Liverpool striker has appealed a four-month ban from football following the incident in his country’s final group game and this is the first show of contrition for his behaviour.

In a statement released via his Twitter page, Suárez said: “After several days being home with my family. I have had the opportunity to regain my calm and reflect on the reality of what occurred on during the Italy-Uruguay match.

“Independent from the fallout and contradicting declarations that have surfaced during these past few days, all of which have been without the intention of interfering with the good performance of my national team, the truth is my colleague Giorgio Chiellini suffered the physical result of a bite in the collision he suffered with me. For this I deeply regret what occurred, apologise to Giorgio Chiellini and the entire football family and I vow to the public there will never be another incident like it.”

Chiellini responded to Suárez within minutes on Twitter, accepting the apology. “It’s all forgotten,” the Italian wrote. “I hope Fifa will reduce your suspension.”