Western Sydney Wanderers defender Jack Clisby has reached out to Adelaide United star Sergio Cirio over the A-League tackle that has sidelined the Reds midfielder.
Cirio could miss up to 10 weeks with a knee injury after being crunched by Clisby in the opening stages of the Wanderers' 2-1 victory in their grand final rematch last Friday.
Adelaide were scathing of the tackle that only drew a yellow card from referee Shaun Evans, and are believed to have requested the official to not control their future games.
"There was no malice in the tackle. It was just one of those things - it's a big game and I'm looking to impress," Clisby said on Tuesday.
"I do wish Cirio all the best. I did message him last night wishing him a speedy recovery. It was never intentional to hurt the player. He appreciated the text."
Starting at left-back against at Coopers Stadium, the 24-year-old Clisby was playing his first game in Wanderers colours since shifting from Melbourne City over the winter.
He said he wanted to make a strong first impression on coach Tony Popovic.
"Not in that sort of way though. In playing good football. I feel I did have some good impact on the game. It was a great result for the team as well," he said.
"I was really excited. Was just keen to get out there and give it my best. I knew i was ready, I just had to wait for my opportunity and it came around. I feel I took it."