Sunday 24 September 2017 23:28, UK
Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has accepted an apology from Liverpool's Sadio Mane over their clash earlier this month.
The Brazilian needed eight stitches to repair facial wounds after a boot to the face from Mane, who was given a straight red card as a result, in the 5-0 victory over Liverpool at the Etihad on September 9.
Ederson was treated on the field for eight minutes before being carried off on a stretcher, leading to fears of a more serious injury, but the summer signing from Benfica was back in action just four days later in a Champions League game at Feyenoord.
Mane posted a social media message in the hours after the game saying he was "so sorry [Ederson] was hurt during our accidental collision", and the City goalkeeper insists he holds no grudge against the Liverpool forward.
"Yes, I had contact with him [Mane]," said Ederson. "He sent me a message. I told him to stay calm, those things happen on the pitch, it could happen any time. I told him to not worry and wished him a good season."
Ederson, who initially wore headgear when he returned to the field, insists his confidence has not been affected by the incident.
The 24-year-old said: "I ended up having a hard hit in the face but in the same week I was ready to play in the Champions League. I faced that game full of confidence again, without any fear and happy for the result we achieved."
The clash occurred as Mane, who was sent off for endangering an opponent, chased a bouncing ball and Ederson rushed out of his area.
"I felt a strong kick," said Ederson. "I knew it had been a long cut. I wanted to keep playing but, for medical issues, I couldn't. I was always conscious, even if I had my face a little bit swollen. After a week it was normal again."
