Javier Hernandez, who previously played for Manchester United, has expressed remorse following sanctions imposed for inflammatory remarks about gender roles.
The 37-year-old athlete faced penalties from both Mexican football authorities and his current team after suggesting that women were undermining traditional male characteristics and should prioritise household duties.
Posting on social media last week, Hernandez said that women are making society 'hypersensitive' and that they should focus on 'multiplying, cleaning, maintaining the home'.
He also accused them of 'eradicating masculinity'.
PA
|Javier Hernandez, who previously played for Manchester United, has expressed remorse following sanctions imposed for inflammatory remarks about gender roles
Now, Hernandez has issued a public statement acknowledging the distress his words caused.
"I sincerely thank everyone who has supported me, who has respectfully shared their perspectives with me and demanded that I be a better person," he wrote on Instagram.
"I am deeply sorry for any confusion or upset my recent words have caused; It was never my intention to limit, hurt or divide.
"As a father, man and member of this community, my priority is to act with respect, humility and responsibility.
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PA | Javier Hernandez won two Premier League titles during his time at Man United"I am listening, reflecting, and committed to expressing myself with greater clarity and sensitivity, especially on such sensitive topics.
"I believe that change begins with oneself. I will take advantage of this opportunity to understand, grow and continue working to be a better version of myself, from honesty, love for my family, my values and love for all of you.
"Thank you for your understanding, demand, love and company on this path."
The footballer's original Instagram post accused women of creating an oversensitive society whilst diminishing traditional male roles. He urged women to "embrace your feminine energy" and concentrate on activities such as "nurturing, caring, receiving, multiplying, cleaning, maintaining the home".
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His statement continued by asserting that women should permit themselves to be guided by men who wished to see them content.
He also claimed that males could not experience paradise without female companionship, though he acknowledged their shortcomings in commitment and reliability.
The response was swift and decisive from Mexican football's governing bodies following the controversial comments. The Mexican Football Federation, alongside the nation's premier football leagues, announced that their gender and diversity commission had launched an investigation into the matter.
Their joint declaration emphasised the need to "prevent and punish this behaviour" going forward. The footballer's current club, Guadalajara, also distanced themselves from his statements, describing them as incompatible with their organisational principles.
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Mexico's first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, offered pointed criticism of the former international player.
She acknowledged his sporting achievements whilst suggesting he had significant learning to do regarding women's issues.
The club confirmed they had implemented disciplinary measures against the player, though specific details were not disclosed.
PA | Javier Hernandez also played for West Ham during his days in the Premier LeagueHernandez enjoyed considerable success during his five-year tenure at Old Trafford, securing two Premier League championships before departing in 2015.
His career also included stints at Real Madrid, West Ham and Bayer Leverkusen.
He remains Mexico's most prolific international scorer, having netted 52 goals across 109 national team appearances.