Mathieu Flamini says he is not a dirty player following Harry Redknapp's outrage at his tackle last month.
Milan man defiant over Corluka challenge
Mathieu Flamini is adamant he is not a dirty player following Harry Redknapp's outrage at his challenge on Vedran Corluka.
AC Milan star Flamini's two-footed lunge on Corluka during Tottenham's visit to the San Siro last month saw the Spurs defender stretchered off from the pitch with an ankle problem.
Tottenham boss Redknapp branded the tackle an 'absolute disgrace' and a 'leg-breaker' in the aftermath of the UEFA Champions League last-16 clash, which the North Londoners won 1-0.
The Rossoneri visit White Hart Lane for the second leg of the tie on Wednesday, and former Arsenal man Flamini has blasted back at Redknapp ahead of that showdown by insisting he is a fair player.
Tough
The Frenchman said in
The Sun: "In four years in the Premier League I've never injured an opponent. I was never sent off in England. Never.
"I am a defensive midfielder so of course I am in the 'tough' area of the pitch but this was the first time a player was injured by a challenge I made.
"I am not a dirty player. I didn't have a bad intention.
"Everything I do, it's always on the ball. You can see I'm going for the ball not for the man. I didn't mean to go with two feet. I shouldn't have but I didn't mean to.
"I can understand people complain about what happened. But I think it's part of the game."
He added: "Don't forget I played four years for Arsenal and this was Tottenham.
"It was a special game for me and this was total commitment on my part. Nothing more. No malice. No bad intention."
Clever
Flamini feels Redknapp was trying to divert attention away from the crucial second leg by focusing on his challenge.
He said: "I've seen what was said. I have a lot of respect for Mr Redknapp. But I think he's been very clever to make a big story out of that.
"Everyone can focus on that and forget about the second leg."
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