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Las Palmas striker Sergio Araujo issues apology for attitude off the pitch

Las Palmas striker Sergio Araujo has issued an apology for "my attitude off the pitch" after departing on loan to AEK Athens until the end of the season.

The Spanish club announced that the 24-year-old Argentine will play the next five months in Athens subject to a medical.

Araujo has made just five La Liga starts for Las Palmas this season, scoring twice in a total of 11 league appearances.

He told Marca: "The last year-and-a-half has been a failure and I think the best thing is for me to leave.

"I apologise for not having performed at 100 percent in La Liga and for my attitude off the pitch."

Araujo has been under scrutiny after reports earlier this month that he had been charged with drink-driving less than 10 weeks after being sentenced to nine months in prison for refusing to undergo a breathalyser test.

"I'm sad to leave," he added. "I leave a family here. A lot of people have helped me.

"The president Miguel Angel Ramirez has told me he wants me to return in July. I hope I can return but I know it will not only depend on me."

Araujo earned a permanent contract with Las Palmas after impressing while on loan from Boca Juniors in the 2014-15 season.

He scored 24 goals in 43 appearances to help the Canary Islands club win promotion to Spain's top flight. In the following season, his first in La Liga, he scored five times.