Antonio Nocerino has assured AC Milan fans that he intended no disrespect during his outburst after scoring against Sassuolo in the Trofeo TIM.
The Italian midfielder clinched the equalising goal for Milan before going on to convert the winning penalty, though he perhaps drew more attention for his absurd celebration, as he screamed out “B*****d piece of sh*t” for no apparent reason.
Talking to the club’s official channel, Nocerino explained his vented reaction and apologised for any offence he may have caused.
“I’m still coming off the death of my parents, which is still a fresh wound that has been greatly affecting my mood,” the 30-year-old explained.
“I’ve always kept it bottled up. So after the goal the other night I vented the anger from my private life. It was not about football.
“Milan and it’s fans have nothing to do with what happened. As you all know well enough, after I scored for Parma at the San Siro I put my hand on my heart and didn’t celebrate purely out of respect and for the sake of all of Milan.
“Life has tested me with my loved ones and this time I felt it better to vent rather than celebrate.
“If it was a bit ‘too much’ then I apologise to my children.”
