Bastian Schweinsteiger apologises to president

Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has issued an apology to the president of Germany in the wake of their Champions League final defeat.

Schweinsteiger was one of the players who missed a spot kick in the penalty shootout that ended Chelsea's wait for a European trophy. Having previously played mind games with the Blues before the final, after the game Schweinsteiger appeared to ignore German president Joachim Gauck's offer of a hand during the medal presentation.

"It's a misunderstanding," said Schweinsteiger.

"Anyone who puts themselves in my position and looks at the photo can see that, after such a great disappointment, I was not aware of what was going on around me.

"I was desperate, disappointed, as if I was paralysed. I didn't see the president's hand. I'm sorry that this moment gave a different impression. I want to apologise to the president."

Schweinsteiger will be part of Germany's Euro 2012 squad that have been drawn with the Netherlands, Portugal and Denmark in Group B.