Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has apologised after appearing to snub Germany's president in the aftermath of his side's shattering Champions League defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.
Photographs of the post-match presentation ceremony suggested Schweinsteiger had ignored the outstretched hand of Joachim Gauck.
But the Germany international, who missed Bayern's crucial last penalty kick as Chelsea prevailed in a shoot-out, insists he did not even see the president.
"This is a misunderstanding," Schweinsteiger said in a statement on Bayern's website.
"After this great disappointment, I perceived nothing around me. I was desperately disappointed, paralysed.
"I did not see the hand of the federal president.
"I'm sorry that this moment gave a different impression. I want to apologise to the president."
