The French international returned from the 2-2 draw at Reggio Calabria last Sunday and was involved in an altercation in a nightclub.

“I got a belt to the face,” he confessed to the Corriere dello Sport. “It was a fair old hit, but it could’ve gone worse, as he hit me right near the eye.

“I was in a nightclub after the game and there was no training session the next day, while I had permission from my wife to be there. If I was out at that time it was just because I could lie in the next morning.

“I was waiting outside for my friends to bring the car round and I heard someone congratulate me. He was a Roma fan. Others were Lazio supporters and they were saying other things that weren’t quite so nice.

“Then someone showed a lack of respect in the middle of the street and I reacted. I know I was wrong to do so, but I couldn’t take it any more.

“There were a few shoves and no consequences, apart from these two little marks on my face. I made a mistake because I had everything to lose in this situation.

“I think there is respect between the clubs, as I said hello to Luciano Zauri in the same bar and he was my opponent in the derby. But I have a family and I find it very difficult to accept certain phrases.”

On the field Mexes has been doing considerably better, as Roma are back in contention for fourth place and go head-to-head with Genoa on Sunday afternoon.

“The team is playing well despite the injuries and the two new arrivals [Marco Motta and Souleymane Diamoutene] can give us a helping hand,” continued the defender.

“There are a lot of games to go yet, but tomorrow’s game is very important. They are three points ahead and we are fighting to catch them. If we don’t win on Sunday, it means we don’t deserve to be level with them.”

The Giallorossi are rediscovering their form just in time for the Champions League clash with Arsenal.

“It will be a great game and there’s no need to fire yourself up, as the motivation is all there. I can’t wait to get stuck in and we think about this match a lot.”

Finally, Mexes reiterated his commitment to the club after reports he was eager to accept Milan’s proposal.

“My desire is to stay at Roma. I am happy and have always said so. The story with Milan was in the newspapers, but I never had contact with them. I like it at Roma and will always do my best for this side.”