NYFC new boy Lampard apologises for 911 drunken rant
So the charm offensive begins.
Frank Lampard has apologised for his drunken antics towards American tourists in 2001 after the Sept 11 terror attacks.
The former Chelsea midfielder was facing a hostile reception from the new MLS clubs' supporters after his bad behaviour from 13 years ago was brought up by a New York newspaper.
Lampard and three other Chelsea teammates were fined two weeks' wages after a drinking binge at a hotel near Heathrow airport ended with them allegedly swearing at American tourists who were stranded by the attacks.
The 36-year-old has now moved to heal any rift with fans by offering an apology and vowing to visit the September 11 Memorial in New York.
"I categorically did not set out to insult anyone or behave badly in front of the Americans and this is an excellent chance to say that. I'm very sensitive to the issue and the tragedy," said Lampard.
"I was naive and a young boy at the time. I was out on a day I shouldn't have been. I certainly wouldn’t do it today.
"I've tried in the last 13 years at Chelsea to be not just a good footballer, but a good man off the pitch.
"(The September 11 Memorial is) a huge memorial and I will certainly go there to pay my respects."
Sources: Mail Online, Mirror Online
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