Real Madrid defender Pepe has apologised to Barcelona forward Lionel Messi for stamping on his hand during Wednesday night's El Clasico.
The incident happened when the Argentine was on the ground during Barca's 2-1 win in the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"It was unintentional, but I nevertheless want to apologise to him if he was offended because all I do is defend my team and this institution. I give my heart and soul, and the thought of hurting a colleague has never entered my mind," said Pepe.
The second leg at the Nou Camp takes place next week.
