Qingdao Zhongneng player Lu Gang said he would take any punishment and is ready to help Shenyang Jinde's Ousmane Bangoura who lost eyesight after a clash between the two in a Chinese soccer league match.

"I would like to say sorry to him for a million times. I dare not ask him to forgive me because I cannot forgive myself in the first place but I want to do something to redeem my mistake," Lu told Shidai Shangbao or Times Business News based in Shenyang, Liaoning province.

Lu caused Bangoura's right eye ruptured after his boot caught the Guinea international in his face in a Chinese Super League soccer match two weeks ago.

"When my coach told me that Bangoura was badly injured and may lose his eye, it seemed that I was struck by a thunder. My mind went blank," Lu recalled.

Bangoura had the first operation in Shenyang before transferred to the Third Hospital affiliated to Beijing University in Beijing.

Doctors here confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that Bangoura has lost the eyesight in the right eye after the second surgery, effectively announcing the end to the 26-year-old midfielder's playing career, according to Chinese web portal sina.com.

Reports said that Bangoura's wife was preparing to file a civil suit against Lu.

"I understand no matter what action she takes against me. And I give financial compensation to Bangoura even if without court order," the 29-year-old midfielder said.

"Besides, I hope my teammates and Jinde players can help me organize a charity game for him," he added.

Bangoura joined Shenyang from Belgium's Charleroi in April after playing a leading role in Guinea's march to the quarter-finals of the African Nations Cup earlier this year. His contract with Jinde will automatically end as compensation negotiation likely follows.

The match ended in a 2-2 draw. Lu received a yellow card for the accident.

(Xinhua News Agency?July 19, 2006)