France legend Christophe Dugarry apologises after causing outrage for calling Lionel Messi a ‘half autistic kid’ in rant

FRENCH football legend Christophe Dugarry has issued a grovelling apology after branding Lionel Messi “half autistic.”

Dugarry, 48, made his thoughtless comments to RMC Sport while discussing Antoine Griezmann’s situation at Barcelona.

AFP - Getty

World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry has apologised for calling Lionel Messi ‘half autistic’[/caption]

The former Atletico Madrid man, 29, has failed to shine at the Nou Camp, and Dugarry wondered if it had something to do with playing alongside 33-year-old Messi in attack.

Dugarry said: “Griezmann has lost confidence, his performances are not good.

“It’s true that Messi could give him a few more passes but frankly it does not shock me.

“Griezmann loses the ball, he plays badly. He can’t just go to Messi for them to solve their problems.

Reuters

Dugarry made the comment to French media and also mocked Messi’s height[/caption]

“Griezmann is afraid of who? Of a kid who’s 1.50 metres (tall) and half autistic?

“He just has to slap him in the face if there’s a problem.”

Dugarry faced a huge backlash for his comments and RMC Sport promptly removed him from their podcast.

Dugarry, who won the World Cup and Euros with France, has now apologised for his words.

He tweeted: “I am sincerely sorry for the extent and the response to my comments on Messi.

Reuters

Dugarry made his offensive comments while discussing Antoine Griezman’s shortcomings at Barcelona[/caption]

“I did not want to stigmatise people with autism disorders, it was not my intention.

“I apologise to the people I offended and will do it again on (RMC show) Team Duga this evening.”

Dugarry picked up 55 caps for his country during a playing career spanning 17 years.

He started at Bordeaux before failed spells at AC Milan and Barcelona.

Dugarry resurrected his career at Marseille before returning to Bordeaux.

He even had a brief stint in the Premier League with Birmingham before retiring at Qatar SC – despite failing to make a single appearance for them.

Meanwhile, Messi scored the 700th goal of his professional career for Barcelona in their 2-2 draw with Atletico on Tuesday.

He is regarded by many as the best footballer in history, with ten league titles, four Champions Leagues and six Ballon d’Ors to his name.