Sivasspor striker Keita Balde has apologised to ex-wife Simone Gualtieri after he was involved in an affair with Wanda Nara, who was at the time the wife of former Inter Milan team-mate Mauro Icardi.

    There have been previous rumours that off-field issues involving Wanda were behind the deteriorating relationship between Icardi and the team that led to his departure from the club, and this became major news last month after the Argentine international posted on Instagram that Wanda had cheated on him with Balde.

    Icardi and Wanda broke up in October 2021 and got back together, but have now parted ways and are throwing mud at each other in the media, with Balde speaking out for the first time during an interview with Verisimo Show on Canale 5.

    “Betrayal is a very painful word. It was the biggest mistake of my life, betraying the person I love the most in my life,” Balde said. “She deserves all the love and respect in the world. I want to take full responsibility for this and speak out because the problems are affecting my family.”

    “Mauro and Wanda’s plays are not part of my life. I realize the mistakes I’ve made. I don’t blame anyone, but they know there are children who are affected by this situation.”

    “The way they have dragged this out shows that they have no heart. But I am ready to fight like a lion. My family has been affected. I have taken legal action.”

    “Simona is the only woman I will ever love. I am here to fight for you.”