Reyes says sorry to fans

Unlike Tottenham's reticent flops, Jose Reyes has said sorry to Arsenal fans for the own-goal which sunk their hopes of reaching the Carling Cup Final.

The club's record signing marked his full debut by scoring at the wrong end in the 2-1 semi-final defeat by Middlesbrough on Tuesday.

The £17.5million Spaniard said: "I am so sorry. I have not been able to sleep after what happened. I am sorry for the Arsenal fans and I ask them to forgive me.

"For my first goal to make such a negative impact is very distressing. I promise I will replace this unhappy situation with many happy things."

Reyes is an emotional character and was in tears last week when he left family and friends at Seville airport on departure for Highbury.

Team-mate Ray Parlour backed the 20-year-old to bounce back from the disappointment and praised the achievements of Arsenal's other youngsters in the competition.