Chiellini denies Van intent

Defender feels sympathy for injured star

Last updated: 19th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Chiellini denies Van intent

Chiellini: Protesting his innocence

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Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini insists he did not deliberately intend to hurt Holland forward Robin van Persie.

Arsenal ace Van Persie is facing up to six weeks on the sidelines after suffering torn ankle ligaments in a challenge with Chiellini during Italy's goalless draw with Holland last weekend.

Chiellini has come under fire from some of Van Persie's Dutch team-mates, but the Juventus stopper is adamant he did not set out to injure the striker and hopes the Arsenal man makes a speedy return to action.

"Some people tried to stir up trouble to distract attention from the performance," said Chiellini.

"I have never gone into a tackle to hurt anyone in my entire life and Van Persie said the same thing.

"If you look at the footage it's clear it was not a nasty challenge. I was the first to be upset about Van Persie and hope he'll recover as soon as possible. I was actually surprised he was injured from that situation."

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