The Ukraine international, who has made an £89 million ($110m) move to Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window, was caught on camera reciting lyrics to the 2017 ‘Freestyle’ track from U.S. rapper Lil Baby. A toxic racial term is repeated on several occasions in the footage, leading to widespread criticism of the 22-year-old forward.
An apology released to The Sun by a representative of Mudryk reads: “Mykhailo is deeply sorry for any offence caused by the video posted on his TikTok account last July.
“Whilst his intention was solely to recite lyrics of a song, Mykhailo regrets his decision and wholeheartedly accepts it was not appropriate.
“The video has since been removed.”
While Mudryk has apologised for his actions, leading anti-racism campaign group Kick It Out have said of the Chelsea new boy: “Kick It Out condemns the use of all racial slurs, including the N-word irrespective of context.
“The N-word is deeply offensive and the use of this term by high-profile figures in football can only serve to alienate people from the game.
“It is important that footballers use their significant platform in a positive way, and we’re encouraged to see that Mykhailo Mudryk has acknowledged the hurt caused by his use of this offensive slur.”