When Sammy Sosa issued a statement last month that set the wheels in motion for what would be his epic return to Cub-dom on Friday night at Cubs Convention, there was one line in that press release that caught everyone’s attention.

“I never broke any laws, but in hindsight, I made mistakes and I apologize,” Sosa wrote.

What exactly was he apologizing for and why did he feel now was the time to put out a statement?

“God is great,” Sosa told Boog Sciambi and Cole Wright after his introduction at Cubs Convention. “Remember that it was 21 years, I was out a lot of places, but I decided to do it in the right time — 2025.

“And the response was perfect and that’s why we’re here today.”

So, the apology wasn’t for suspected performance-enhancing drug use?

“No, I’m referring, for example — look, 21 years out, I have the fans that loved me very much,” Sosa said in a media scrum on Friday. “I have to apologize to them.”

[Derrek Lee ‘humbled’ by Cubs Hall of Fame honor]

Sosa insisted he was apologizing for being away for 21 years from a fanbase that adored him. On the night it was announced he was entering the Cubs Hall of Fame, he asked for forgiveness from a generation of Cubs faithful who became fans because of his exploits in Chicago.

“Hey guys, I know that I was here tonight,” Sosa said. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon. I know that you guys will try your best but tonight was a great day.

“Thanks to the Lord and I look forward to seeing you guys in the next step.”

That next phase will be a return to Wrigley Field — a ballpark that saw some of his greatest exploits. A historic stadium that saw records rewritten by Sosa — and one that looks different than it did when he last was there 21 years ago.

“I cannot wait to be there,” Sosa said. “It’s gonna be incredible. When we played, our clubhouse was tiny. It’s a lot different now. I heard it’s pretty incredible.”