Edinson Cavani has 'sincerely apologised' for causing any offence over an Instagram post following Manchester United's Premier League win over Southampton.
Cavani scored twice and assisted Bruno Fernandes in United's 3-2 comeback and after the game shared a post from a friend on an Instagram Story, adding 'Gracías negrito'.
The literal translation of 'gracías negrito' is 'thanks black' but Cavani was replying to a friend who wrote: "Asi te quiero, Matador." That translates as: "I love you like this, Matador." Cavani is nicknamed 'El Matador'.
Once Cavani was informed the post could be interpreted offensively out of context, he deleted the Story but the Football Association will look into the post.
Cavani said in a statement issued by United: "The message I posted after the game on Sunday was intended as an affectionate greeting to a friend, thanking him for his congratulations after the game.
"The last thing I wanted to do was cause offence to anyone. I am completely opposed to racism and deleted the message as soon as it was explained that it can be interpreted differently. I would like to sincerely apologise for this."
United added in a separate statement: "It is clear to us that there was absolutely no malicious intent behind Edinson’s message and he deleted it as soon as he was informed that it could be misconstrued.
"Edinson has issued an apology for any unintentional offence caused. Manchester United and all of our players are fully committed to the fight against racism."
