Gary Neville has extended an apology for his use of the term 'billion-pound bottle jobs' in reference to Chelsea and the harsh words he aimed at former Blues defender David Luiz.
While immersing himself in the yuletide spirit during the Christmas instalment of the Stick to Football podcast presented by Sky Bet, Neville encountered an unexpected question from ex-West Ham forward Marlon Harewood.
This prompted a reflection on some less triumphant moments in his extensive punditry history as he admitted his regret over his harsh criticism of David Luiz in 2011, during his first stint at Stamford Bridge. "I wish I had not said the David Luiz line, about him being a 'PlayStation player'," he revealed.
That wasn't his only criticism of Luiz, as he once again aimed his anger at the ex-Brazil international during his time at Arsenal. After Unai Emery's sacking from the Emirates Stadium, Neville branded Luiz, alongside his fellow defenders Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis as "uncoachable".
One of his biggest regrets was directed towards a phrase he crafted after Chelsea's disappointing Carabao Cup final loss to an injury-hit Liverpool team earlier this season, dubbing the squad "billion-dollar bottle jobs".
"I wish I had not said 'billion-dollar bottle jobs'," Neville conceded. "They're harsh lines that stain a group of players or a manager. David Luiz has never got rid of that. It's a cheap shot really. It's that line of humour meets cheap shot," reports the Mirror.
Neville also voiced remorse over his firm stance that Liverpool would never clinch the Premier League title with Karius as their number one, though it did pan out with Klopp's team securing league glory in the 2019-2020 campaign with Alisson commanding the goal area.
David Luiz, Oscar and Willian played together at Chelsea
David Luiz spent six seasons with Chelsea in his two stints with the club
The Sky Sports pundit expressed regret over his past comments on the goalkeeper, particularly after an encounter with the German at a hotel gym.
"[Loris] Karius, the Liverpool goalkeeper, the young lad I've been quite direct about him for a period of two to three months. Liverpool were getting better under Jurgen Klopp and I remember saying that they'll never ever win the league with that guy [Karius] in the net," the ex-England defender said.
The commentator recalled his candid remarks made just five months before Karius' infamous errors in the Reds' Champions League final 3-1 defeat against Real Madrid but admitted his remorse following a personal interaction.
"It's a strong line for a young goalkeeper. It was probably 'true' five months later back in the Champions League final. One time I went to Italy and went to a hotel. I walked into the gym for a session and there was just this big bloke lifting massive weights it was Karius!
"He could have done many things there and could have had a go at me. It went right through my head on what I said about him, and I know he would've known that. But he said, 'Nice to see you' and I felt guilty bumping into someone I've given a harsh line to."
football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel
Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Want to keep up to date with the breaking and important Chelsea stories whilst on the move? Well now you can!
Click this link to follow the football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel, where you'll be kept up to date on the latest Blues news wherever you are.
Just remember to turn on the notifications once you've followed, and you won't miss a beat!