Jamie Vardy admits he regrets the incident where he called a fellow casino-goer a "Jap" - but insists he's not a racist.
In August of last year the Leicester striker was caught on camera repeatedly referring to a Japanese customer at a casino as "Jap".
Vardy went on to apologise unreservedly for the incident but admits now that he fears many will never forgive him.
"The word ‘racist’ is a permanent stain against my name. It’s worse than a criminal record," he says in his autobiography being serialised in The Sun.
Vardy admits "he likes a scrap" but has defended his actions claiming that the use of the word was said out of ignorance and nothing more.
READ MORE
Parties warn of 'highgear' plan to wipe them out before 2027 polls
Court halts Ruto's compensation plan for protest victims
Kenyans feel the pinch of higher prices as August inflation ticks up to 4.5pc
"I like a drink and enjoy being Jack the Lad," he adds. "I can be a pain in the a***. But one thing I’m not, and never will be, is a racist."
He adds: "I was angry at the time and I’d had too much to drink but I’d never have used the word ‘Jap’ if I’d known it was racist."
