Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan has apologised for posting a video of himself appearing to be drunk and smoking during a party to celebrate the New Year on Instagram, saying it was a mistake and retracting an initial justification of his actions.
Nainggolan posted the video as a story in the early hours of Jan. 1. He said that he felt "stone drunk" as he staggered around playing a game of Padle tennis with friends, holding his phone and a drink in one hand and the racquet in his other.
He then lit a cigarette and continued to stagger around.
The story was covered widely on Italian sports websites, including La Gazzetta dello Sport later on Monday morning, and Nainggolan tweeted his disapproval, saying: "Even on New Year's, all you think about is making the news... Happy New Year to everybody except for them... go get a life..."
After training on Monday afternoon, Nainggolan issued an apology in another Instagram story.
"I'm sorry about what happened tonight," he wrote. "As you know, I like having fun with my friends and I love celebrating New Year... but last night I went too far. I saw it as a special night where you can exaggerate a little...
"I certainly didn't intend to give a negative example. This is why I feel I need to apologise for my words and my behaviour. Forza Roma forever...!!!"
Nainggolan was voted second behind Edin Dzeko in a Player of the Year poll on Roma's official website, with Stephan El Shaarawy third.
The Belgium international remains a firm fans' favourite, particularly after proving his commitment to the Serie A club despite offers to leave last summer, with Chelsea reported to have made an approach.