Manchester United's Harry Maguire: I did nothing wrong
Manchester United captain and England defender Harry Maguire won't be apologizing for his involvement in what's become an infamous incident on the Greek island of Mykonos.
Maguire was arrested in Greece last Friday and subsequently found guilty of aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and repeated attempts of bribery. He appealed and is set to receive a full retrial.
Per the Greek judicial process, the appeal nullifies his conviction.
Maguire spoke with BBC sports editor Dan Roan about the situation and denied assaulting any police officers or offering bribes.
"I don't feel I owe an apology to anybody," Maguire said. "An apology is something when you have done something wrong."
Maguire was accused of assaulting officers and then offering cash while at a police station. "I am the captain of Manchester United, I am very rich, I can give you money, I can pay you, please let us go," he allegedly told police.
For a piece published by the BBC on Thursday, Maguire maintained his innocence and described himself as a victim:
"I don't wish it on anybody. Obviously the situation has made it difficult for one of the biggest clubs in the world, so I regret putting the fans and the club through this, but I did nothing wrong.
"I found myself in a situation where it could have happened to anybody and anywhere."
Maguire also reiterated claims that multiple officers kicked him:
"They hit me a lot on the legs. It wasn't on my mind. I was in that much of a panic. Fear. Scared for my life.
"I know what happened that night. I know the truth. When I speak about it I get worked up but that's because it just makes me feel a bit angry inside. I will move on. I am mentally strong enough."
Ahead of Tuesday's verdict, England manager Gareth Southgate called Maguire into the national team for a pair of September Nations League fixtures. Southgate has since dropped the defender and, according to multiple reports, won't reinstate the 27-year-old for this call-up.
United chose to keep Maguire as club captain and haven't yet punished the player.
More must-reads: