Israeli midfielder Eyal Golasa has walked out on Lazio and returned to Maccabi Haifa despite signing a four and a half year contract with the Italians.

Golasa, 18, who joined Lazio without informing Maccabi said: “I want to personally apologise to Maccabi Haifa and especially the fans for what I did.”

He has been promised a new contract with Maccabi.

Lazio President Claudio Lotito is demanding that the player return to Rome. He said: “There is a contract that has been lodged with the Italian League.”

Lazio have complained to Uefa but Maccabi insist Golasa’s Lazio contract is not valid because they were not informed of the talks with the player. Maccabi are investigating whether Golasa is eligible to carry on playing for them.