``It was a throwaway comment. If it has annoyed Rijkaard or anyone, I apologize publicly and to the whole of Spain,'' Ramos told Punto Radio. ``I respect Rijkaard's work very much.''

Ramos told Spanish TV on Sunday that he had ``a whiff'' that Rijkaard would leave the European champion in June, sparking speculation that he would join AC Milan.

Rijkaard responded by joking that Ramos ``must have a special nose because it detects things which perhaps don't exist.''

Rijkaard has established himself as one of Europe's top coaches since taking charge at Barcelona in 2003, guiding the team to the last two Spanish league titles as well as last season's Champions League.

Barcelona heads the Spanish league with 26 points, one more than second-place Sevilla.