Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has defended himself against allegations of brutal play, maintaining he's "not an unfair player" and is "being kicked like never before."
Ribery, 33, has already been involved in four incidents this season when the Frenchman's hands, arms and elbows have made contact with an opponent's face or head. The most high-profile incident occurred in the Super Cup win over Borussia Dortmund in August.
"I know only too well that I need to watch my step," Ribery told Sportbild. "But I want to stress once again that I'm not an unfair player."
And the former France international feels he receives special attention from the opposition team on account of the recent spats.
"Since all the talk about me started, I've actually got the feeling that opponents are trying even harder to provoke me," he said.
"I'm a big name player -- opponents know that these duels are being closely watched -- so they try everything in their power to stop me.
"This season, I'm being kicked, fouled and attacked like never before.
"Perhaps, sometimes I do lose the plot for an instant. But only when I feel that my opponent is only intent on injuring me.
"I don't have anything against fair tackling and challenges, but when I get the impression that it's all about roughness to remove me from the game then I defend myself.
"Believe me, I don't want to hurt anybody in these moments and a minute later it's all forgotten about."
Ribery has also incurred the wrath of Bayern boss Carlo Ancelotti for shoving Inter Milan's Felipe Melo during an International Champions Cup game on the preseason tour of the U.S.
And earlier this season, former Bundesliga referee, Thorsten Kinhofer, labelled the winger "a ticking time bomb," telling Bild: "Ribery is not learning his lesson."