Nuno Silva apologises for wearing Franco t-shirt at presentation

The presentation of Nuno Miguel Morais da Cunha e Silva as a Real Jaen player has caused a storm, after the player wore a t-shirt with Franco on it. Nuno Silva, 29, joined from CD Santa Clara in Portugal, and apparently didn't realise the political and social signifiance of his shirt in Spain. 

The player published a statement on Facebook an hour later where he apologised for any offence caused, blaming his lack of knowledge of Spanish history. He wrote: 

"Good afternoon, I would firstly like to give thanks for the welcome my teammates, the coaches, and all staff of the club have given me.

Today was my presentation as a new player at Real Jaén CF in the press room of La Victoria. Given the controversy over my shirt, I wanted to clarify that I acquired it a long time ago in Portugal and never knew the impact this historical figure has to part of Spanish society.

I lived in Portugal and Angola and I don't know the bulk of Spanish history, so was completely unaware of the significance of wearing that shirt in your country. I want to apologize to all those who have felt offended or who have been shocked. At no time have I have tried to make excuses for the ideologies professed by this person. I do not have any political preferences.

First of all to reiterate my apology and from now I hope that together we manage to achieve the goals of Real Jaén CF. Salutations to all. Hala Jaén!"