Warning: Story contains graphic image(s)
Jason Denayer says he "regrets" getting involved in a fight outside a Brussels nightclub Sunday, but insists he "reacted instinctively" in defending a friend who was being attacked.
The Manchester City defender, who spent the 2016-17 season on loan at Sunderland, was shown in a short clip coming to the rescue of his friend who was being pinned down and punched. The 21-year-old Denayer then kicked the assailant to stop him from striking his friend more.
"I reacted instinctively," Denayer told Patrick Jennings from BBC Sport.
"Of course I regret to have been caught up in a conflict that was not mine to begin with, but I saw my friend was in real danger and I had to interfere and protect him."
Denayer's agent, Jesse De Preter, claims his client's car was "destroyed 50 percent" by people who were with the man attacking the centre-half's acquaintance. Denayer then tried to calm down the situation before jumping to the defence of his friend.
"Jason tried to be peaceful and to avoid further escalation," said De Preter.