Former Wimbledon footballer John Fashanu has publicly apologised to his daughter Amal while revealing plans to divorce his wife Vivian.
The 63-year-old television presenter, who hosted Gladiators for six seasons in the 1990s when he became associated with the catchphrase "Awooga", made the announcement in a scathing video statement on Instagram.
Speaking to camera, Fashanu admitted a previous video he published was wrong and accused his wife Vivian of misinforming him. He confirmed he is divorcing Vivian and threatened legal action against her.
"I'm here to clarify a few things, very important things. The video I previously did was wrong," Fashanu said. "I was misinformed by my wife Vivian, who I'm sorry to say I am divorcing. Now that I am aware of the truth I apologise to my daughter Amal and legal action will be taken against the liar."
In the caption accompanying the post, Fashanu wrote: "I was the one who called my daughter, Amal, to become involved in my business because she is my first daughter, and she has always held a very special place in my heart."
"Sadly, I allowed myself to be misinformed and influenced," Fashanu added. "My soon-to-be ex-wife, Vivian, created unnecessary division between me and my daughter, and I deeply regret allowing that to happen."
Apology to Daughter Amal
Addressing their feud directly, the former striker said the previous video was created while he listened to someone else's anger rather than following his own heart.
"Amal, I want to publicly say I'm sorry for that previous video," Fashanu said. "The truth is, Amal and I have a wonderful relationship. She will always be my first daughter, and she will always have a place by my side, helping me with my affairs."
"I couldn't be prouder of the intelligent, strong and compassionate woman she has become," Fashanu continued. "What makes me even prouder is that she never chose to retaliate. As she always says, 'Two wrongs don't make a right'. Those words have stayed with me, and they say everything about the kind of person she is."
The former sportsman, who has been married three times, stated that "life is too short for division" and that "family is everything", hinting that he and his daughter are trying to repair their relationship.
Summer Feud and Career History
The Instagram post follows an earlier dispute this summer, after Fashanu denied claims made by Amal. She had stated that the pair reconciled ahead of her wedding and hoped he would attend after being laid low by a mystery condition, but Fashanu refuted the claims and insisted she was attempting to defame him.
During his football career, Fashanu played for several clubs but was most associated with Wimbledon, where he scored more than 100 goals and won the 1988 FA Cup. After retiring due to injury in his early 30s, he presented Gladiators alongside Ulrika Jonsson.
