Bastian Schweinsteiger has apologised after appearing to snub Germany's president in the aftermath of Bayern Munich's Champions League defeat.
Photographs of the post-match presentation ceremony suggested Schweinsteiger had ignored the outstretched hand of Joachim Gauck.
But the Germany international, who missed Bayern's crucial last penalty kick as Chelsea prevailed in a shoot-out, insists he did not even see the president.
"This is a misunderstanding," Schweinsteiger said in a statement on Bayern's website.
"After this great disappointment, I perceived nothing around me. I was desperately disappointed, paralysed.
"I did not see the hand of the federal president.
"I'm sorry that this moment gave a different impression. I want to apologise to the president."
