Former Mexico head coach Miguel Herrera has apologized for his alleged assault of a journalist in the Philadelphia airport on Monday.

Just hours after Mexico lifted the Gold Cup, Herrera allegedly punched Christian Martinoli of TV Azteca at the Philadelphia airport. The incident led to the head coach's sacking on Tuesday, and Herrera has now apologized in a statement released through the Mexican federation.

"I want to publicly apologize to the fans, the coaching staff, players, Mexico Football Federation and the media for my behavior in the regretful incident that I had with a commentator," Herrera said in the statement. "I understand that this is not an attitude a Mexico national team coach should have, despite all the criticism, taunts and jokes against myself and my family."

Herrera continued: "It makes me very sad to be leaving my position as national team coach due to this regrettable cause, especially because the results have been, for the most part, positive within the goals we set ... I will be taking advantage of this time to enjoy my family, rest a bit and afterward, I will return as the same person and you will have in me, as always, an open door."

The former Club America boss was given the Mexico job in November 2013. During his time in charge, he led El Tri to a World Cup round-of-16 appearance, a Copa America first-round exit, and a Gold Cup title.