Manchester United captain Harry Maguire said he feared for his life when Greek Police arrested him last week as he thought he was being kidnapped.
On Tuesday, the England International, Maguire was given a suspended sentence of 21 months and 10 days in prison after his trial on the Greek island of Syros.
The Red Devil’s captain was found guilty of repeated bodily harm, attempted bribery, violence against public employees, and insult after arrest on Mykonos.
On Wednesday, his legal team lodged an appeal against the verdict. In accordance with Greek law, the appeal nullifies Maguire’s conviction and there will be a full retrial in a more senior court.
Finally, Maguire spoke out of his arrest in Greek. He stated to the BBC Sports editor that plain-clothed police officers, who didn’t identify themselves pulled over his group’s minibus in Mykonos, threw him off the bus, hit him on his legs, and told him his career was over.
The 27-year-old said he tried to run away with one handcuff on because he had no idea who the men were.
Being emotional during the interview, Maguire said hearing the guilty verdict was “horrible” and that he “couldn’t quite believe it”.
Asked how badly he was hurt, he responded, “They hit me a lot on the legs. It wasn’t on my mind. I was in that much of a panic. Fear, scared for my life”.
The defender who denies throwing punches or trials of bribery added “I don’t feel I owe an apology to anybody”.
“An apology is something when you have done something wrong. I don’t wish it on anybody. Obviously, the situation has made it difficult for one of the biggest clubs in the world. I regret putting the fans and the club through this. But I did nothing wrong”.
“I found myself in a situation where it could have happened to anybody and anywhere”.
On his family, the captain made clear they are suffering more than him and that his “conscience is clear”.
“I know what happened that night. I know the truth. And when I speak about it I get worked up. That’s because it just makes me feel a bit angry inside. I will move on. I am mentally strong enough”.