San Diego FC player Hirving “Chucky” Lozano publicly expressed regret on Friday following reports of a locker room incident, acknowledging that his reaction was inappropriate.
“I’m a passionate and competitive individual who always strives to give my all for the team,” the Mexico international stated on his Instagram.
“At times, that intensity can lead to responses that don’t truly represent who I am or the respect I hold for those around me. I recognize that my reaction wasn’t right, and I’ve taken responsibility for it. I’ve addressed the matter and moved on.”
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“What matters most is my continued growth – as a player, teammate, and individual. I learn and improve every day, doing my best to positively contribute to the team.
“I am entirely focused on our future, our shared goals, and on helping San Diego achieve everything we’ve been working towards. We’ve built something special together, and I’m proud to be a part of the club’s journey for many years to come.”
Lozano, who was the first designated player signed by the expansion club last year, did not play in San Diego’s last regular-season match against the Portland Timbers on October 18.
Head coach Mikey Varas briefly commented on Lozano’s absence, stating, “We are addressing a situation internally.”
The Athletic reported on Thursday that Lozano was involved in a verbal conflict in the San Diego FC locker room earlier this month after being substituted at halftime during a match against the Houston Dynamo.
When asked at a press conference on Friday if he could confirm this report, Varas replied, “As I mentioned, we are handling an internal situation. Ultimately, Hirving is fully engaged with the team during training. He is showing a positive attitude, working hard, and is committed to reintegrating with the group, and we are dedicated to supporting him in that process.”
San Diego will make its playoff debut on Sunday night, hosting the Portland Timbers in the first match of a best-of-three series.
Varas did not confirm whether Lozano, who has tallied nine goals and ten assists in his first MLS season, would participate in the game.
“We’ll make that decision, as we do with all players, at the end of the week,” he said. “His actions and interactions will determine that, but he is fully committed and demonstrating a great response.”
The league’s newest franchise set records for the most wins and points by an expansion team, finishing the regular season in first place in the Western Conference with 63 points.
ESPN’s Cesar Hernandez contributed to this report.