Striker Kevin Kuranyi has explained why he walked out on Germany and admitted he was wrong to leave the team without permission during the 2-1 World Cup qualifier win over Russia.
The 26-year-old watched Saturday’s game from the stands, but failed to meet the team bus after the game.
Germany coach Joachim Low announced on Sunday he will not pick Kuranyi again for the national team.
“We could not tolerate Kevin’s actions,” said team manager Oliver Bierhoff on Tuesday.
Kuranyi now admits he was wrong and apologised to Low on Sunday, but he claims he has no regrets about his actions.
“I couldn’t stand it anymore,” Kuranyi told German Bild.
“I did not participate in the 2006 World Cup, then was hardly used during Euro 2008 although I was in good form.
“I travelled to the national team last weekend having scored two goals for Schalke – and I found myself in the stands in Dortmund.
“I just wanted to get away.
“It is a very, very difficult situation for me, I would not wish this on anyone.
“What I did affected the team and I was wrong.
“I also apologised to the coach in a telephone calls, there are no words of compensation.
“I stand behind what I did – I do not regret anything,” he added.
“The collapse came over what happened in the past three years. I could not bear that any longer – as a player and a person.”
Despite the player’s apology Low says there is no way back for Kuranyi.
“We spoke briefly on Sunday and he apologised in principle and explained that his decision to leave the team was an error,” said Low.
“I accepted this apology, however it changes nothing over my decision.”
