Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has clarified his outburst after Tuesday's Champions League loss at Atletico Madrid in a statement - but stopped short of an apology. Martinez launched an extraordinary attack on the club's hierarchy after the 2-0 defeat in Madrid, as he criticised the lack of summer investment in the squad, said he expected more from "upstairs" and singled out technical director Jason Wilcox. But 24 hours on from his astonishing post-match interview, the Argentina international released a statement on Instagram on Wednesday night to clear up his comments.
He said: "Following everything that has been said about my comments yesterday, I want to share some thoughts on what I said and how I feel. "After the match, I spoke out of anger and frustration at not getting the result we all wanted. "Those who know me know how I live football, with passion, commitment and a huge desire to win.
And when things don't go our way, it hurts, especially when representing a club with the history and stature of Manchester United. "My words reflect how I feel and how much I want to see this club competing for the biggest honours. Those high standards are part of how I see football and the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player "When I talk about wanting more, I'm talking about the ambition we must all have as part of this club. To keep growing, to become stronger and to have everything we need to compete at the highest level. These are standards we must all hold ourselves to, starting with me.
"I know that, first and foremost, it's us, the players, who have to deliver, and I put myself at the front of that responsibility. We need to demand even more of ourselves and work together to take Manchester United back to the top. "I believe in my team-mates, our manager and everyone working to help this club move forward.
I'm convinced that the way forward is to keep working together, with ambition and commitment. "My goal has been the same since day one, to win, to compete at the highest level and to give everything I have for this badge." Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m!
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