FIFA World Cup 2014: ‘No malice, ill intention on my part’

Rio de Janeiro: In a letter to Neymar and Brazilians on Saturday, Colombia defender Juan Zuniga wished him a speedy recovery and insisted there was no ill will. “I feel upset for this situation which came from a normal action in play, without ill intention, malice or imprudence on my part,” Zuniga wrote.Sympathisers, who note Zuniga was looking at the ball and not Neymar when he went into the challenge, say it was an unfortunate accident in a rough game with lax refereeing.

“I want to send you a special greeting, Neymar. I admire and respect you, and consider you one of the best players in the world,” Zuniga added.“I hope you recover and are back soon to keep cheering us up in a sport full of virtues and qualities that I’ve always practised in my 12 years as a professional.”