Spanish leader Pedro Sánchez told French counterpart Sebastien Lecornu and first lady Brigitte Macron on Tuesday he was embarrassed by a predecessor's comments that their national football team had "no French players," media reported.
Conservative former prime minister Mariano Rajoy triggered outrage in both countries on Sunday after penning an opinion article in which he made the remark.
READ MORE: Spain's ex-PM in hot water over 'xenophobic' remark about French team
Spanish media published video footage in which Sánchez is seen speaking with Lecornu and Macron as he attended France's national day parade in Paris -- hours before Spain's blockbuster World Cup semi-final with Les Bleus in Texas.
The Socialist put his hand on his chest and bowed his head in a seemingly apologetic gesture and can be heard saying in English: "I am so embarrassed."
