Aston Villa`s Cameroon midfield man Eric Djemba-Djemba has apologised to boss David O`Leary for his late return from the African Cup of Nations.
Djemba-Djemba was fined for returning home rather than rejoining Villa after Cameroon went out of the tournament.
He said: "I realise now that my conduct was not acceptable and accept that my actions showed a lack of respect to the manager, the club and its supporters.
Djemba-Djemba told the club website: "I know I have done wrong."
The 24-year-old added: "I have had a very constructive meeting with David O`Leary and his assistant Roy Aitken and expressed my regret and offered my apologies for my extended absence.
"The matter has been dealt with internally and I accept the outcome of the discussions.
"I wish to make it clear that I remain
fully committed to Aston Villa and intend to concentrate on playing an active part in the remainder of the season."
Djemba-Djemba admitted: "I understand why supporters may have been disappointed and angry at my actions but I ask them, and everyone connected with the club, to accept my apology and join me in focusing on the remainder of the season for the benefit of Aston Villa."
A furious O`Leary said when the player failed to return to Villa Park: "We`ve not been able to get in touch to discover where he is," said O`Leary.
"I can`t speculate as we`ve not been able to make contact. He has a fair chance of his wage packet being lighter at the end of the month."
O`Leary signed Djemba-Djemba for £1.35m from Manchester United 13 months ago but he has struggled to make an impact with Villa.
