Royston Drenthe has apologised to Marc Bertran after his tackle ended up fracturing the Tenerife defender's tibia at the weekend.
Real Madrid ran out 3-0 winners on Saturday but Bertran was forced off in the first half following a challenge with Drenthe.
The Holland international was booked for the tackle in the 24th minute but Bertran was not substituted until seven minutes before the interval after he had unbelievably tried to run the injury off.
Drenthe revealed that he had spoken to the Spaniard and offered his apologies for the tackle, which he explained was totally unintentional although he did catch the Tenerife skipper late just above the right ankle.
"It was an incident that can happen in this sport, but it is also the worst thing that can happen," he told the club's official website .
"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."
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