Bernardo Silva sorry for Mendy tweet, but Guardiola backs Man City player

Bernardo Silva has sent a letter to England's Football Association to apologise for any offence caused by a controversial tweet comparing Manchester City teammate Benjamin Mendy with a black cartoon character.

Silva submitted the letter on Thursday after the FA had asked the club for their observations regarding the incident, and said he had learned a lesson.

Included with the letter was a statement of support from France international Mendy, who said he had not taken offence at what his Portuguese teammate had posted. The tweet in question compared a picture of a young Mendy with the cartoon character from the Spanish chocolate peanut brand Conguitos.

City manager Pep Guardiola defended his player when he faced the media after Tuesday's League Cup game at Preston and reiterated that stance ahead of City's Premier League game at Everton on Saturday.

However, Guardiola has faced strong criticism for failing to condemn Silva's post.

"Regarding Bernardo I am incredibly clear," said Guardiola. "If people believe Bernardo is this type of person, they are completely wrong.

"They judged one joke. I judge working with him every single day for three years and how he is and his friendship.

"I know the intention of Bernardo. It was just a joke. Benjamin is like a brother to Bernardo and Bernardo is like a brother to Benjamin. It is what I see every day in training."