Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood has apologised after video footage published in The Sun newspaper appears to show him inhaling 'laughing gas.'
It comes after the 18-year-old was sent home from international duty with England on Monday, along with Manchester City's Phil Foden, after the pair breached coronavirus guidelines.
The pair were seen in a hotel room with two young women after a match against Iceland in the Nations League, a game in which Greenwood made his senior international bow.
Greenwood has released a statement apologising for the latest revelations of him inhaling nitrous oxide.
"I have now been made aware of the health risks associated with this practice and accept that even trying it, as shown in these historical pictures, was poor judgement on my part. I strongly urge others not to follow my example.
"As an 18-year-old I am learning all the time, however, this week I have also learned that I will be judged to a higher standard because of my career as a footballer and I must respect that in future. I am determined to repay the faith shown in me by my manager and coaches."
England's Mason Greenwood (left) and Phil Foden during a training session at St George's Park, Burton.Nitrous oxide, though not illegal, slows down the brain and the body's responses, giving users a feeling of euphoria and can cause hallucinations. It can also lead to headaches, dizziness and paranoia.
Gareth Southgate had spoken of his disappointment of the action of Greenwood and Foden last week, and this latest news will be another unwelcome distraction for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's United.
Greenwood had apologised during the week for breaking rules on international duty.
"Having now had the chance to reflect on what’s happened, I can only apologise to everyone for the embarrassment I have caused.
"It was irresponsible of me to break the COVID-19 protocols which are in place to protect players, staff and the public.
"In particular, I want to apologise to Gareth Southgate, for letting him down, when he had shown great trust in me.
"Playing for England was one of the proudest moments in my life and I only have myself to blame for this huge mistake.
"I promise my family, the fans, Manchester United and England that this is a lesson I will learn from."
Solskjaer's United side kick-start their Premier League campaign next Saturday with the visit of Crystal Palace to Old Trafford. That follows a 1-0 pre-season warm-up defeat at Aston Villa yesterday.
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