Sadio Mane says he is gutted at being banned for three games because of his clash with Ederson.
But the Liverpool forward insists his red-card frustration won’t force him to change his game.
Mane has been suspended for three matches after being found guilty of serious foul play over a studs-up, high challenge that left Manchester City keeper Ederson with a gouged face which required eight stitches.
Yet, Mane explained the only thing he would change about Saturday's hugely controversial incident is his reaction time... to ensure he reached the ball first and created a goal-scoring chance for the Reds.
“I think in the next time I will get the ball before him, I will do my best.
“My intention was not to hurt the goalkeeper. It was bad and I wish him the recovery to come back healthy.
“I messaged him and said it is not what I wish.
“I think it was a challenge for the ball. I made contact and it was not what I wanted to do so I apologised to him. It is part of football, so I cannot change anything.”
Mane will now miss league games against Burnley and Leicester and also a league cup visit to the Foxes, and he revealed his surprise and disappointment at such a severe punishment.
“I was focusing more on the goalkeeper than the card so when I saw the red card I was surprised because I was expecting maybe a yellow. I will accept it and try to forget,” he explained.
“I was going for the ball, I don’t have intention to hurt him because I am not that kind of player so I wish him a quick recovery.
“It is frustrating - it is not easy for me because I always love to play football and to enjoy, especially to help my team to win games, so it’s not easy for me.
“I would love to be on the pitch all the time and help my team but I will also accept and try and be ready for my comeback.”