Uruguay and Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has issued a public apology for his actions that occurred during the Uruguay-Italy World Cup game, and has vowed not to repeat another incident like that ever again.

Suarez bit Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini on June 24 during the second half of the final Group match between the two nations. Subsequently, FIFA banned Luis Suarez for nine international games and four months despite appeals from his Uruguayan teammates and coach who blamed the English media for sensationalizing the incident.

Today, Suarez has apologized for his actions. His statement reads:

“After several days of being home with my family, I have had the opportunity to regain my calm and reflect about the reality of what occurred during the Italy-Uruguay match on 24 June 2014.

“Independent from the fallout and the contradicting declarations that have surfaced during these past days, all of which have been without the intention of interfering with the good performance of my national team, the truth is that my colleague Giorgio Chiellini suffered the physical result of a bite in the collision he suffered with me.

“For this:

“1. I deeply regret what occurred.

“2. I apologize to Giorgio Chiellini and the entire football family.

“3. I vow to the public that there will never again be another incident like this involving me.”

Whether his actions are a result of how he truly feels, or if he understands the magnitude of his actions which threaten his career and sponsorship opportunities, we won’t know. But at least Suarez has taken a positive step in admitting that he made a mistake and apologizing for it.

Meanwhile, Chiellini has accepted Suarez’s apology.

What’s your opinion about Suarez’s apology? Do you think he should be forgiven? And do you believe his words? Share your opinion in the comments section below.