Barcelona midfielder Arthur Melo has apologised to his teammates and Coach Ernesto Valverde for flying to Neymar’s birthday party last month.
The two are Brazilian international teammates but Arthur, who joined the Catalan club from Gremio last summer, was part of the Barca squad to face Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey two days later.
The 22-year-old started the match at the Camp Nou but injured his hamstring, as he later attracted criticism for his actions.
“I think I messed up going to Paris, to Neymar's party,” Arthur told a pre-match press conference, in quotes cited by ESPN FC.
“Life has these moments. Sometimes you do the right thing, sometimes you make a mistake. I knew what I was doing. I was excited to go, but I am big enough to take responsibility for my actions.
“You learn from your mistakes. I apologised to the coach and my teammates. It was a difficult moment for me, but I am giving all I can. I know there are things to improve.
“Neymar’s future? As his friend, I have to wish him the best. I don't know what he will decide, if he will continue at PSG or if he will move to another club.
“Philippe Coutinho? He is one of the best players in the world, we know he's not been at his best in some games, but we all know what he is capable of, how good he is and how much he is going to help us. We all have to back him 100 percent.”
