Carlos Zambrano said he apologizes to Chicago Cubs fans and the team for his actions in leaving the Cubs last Friday and wants to remain "a Cubbie for the rest of my life ... the organization has been good to me," he told WGN-AM 720's David Kaplan in an interview Monday.
Kaplan reported on WGN that Zambrano denied intentionally throwing at Braves third baseman Chipper Jones, and said his comments about wanting to retire were said out of frustration and in private to clubhouse personnel.
"I was ready to go to the ballpark the next day (Saturday) but my agent (Barry Praver) called me and said we were in negotiations with the union and the Cubs," Zambrano told Kaplan.
Zambrano said teammates Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Pena and Marlon Byrd had been in touch to inquire as to how he was doing.
Although Zambrano said he felt he had a good relationship with manager Mike Quade and general manager Jim Hendry, the pitcher had not spoken to either since Friday's walk-out.
Zambrano has been placed on the Cubs' disqualified list, where he would be without pay for 30 days. Zambrano said he still hopes to return to the team. The players association was expected to file a grievance on Zambrano's behalf Monday.
