Toronto Mayor Rob Ford says he’s sorry.

Ford also says he respects the court order that he leave office for breaking conflict of interest rules but he will fight to keep his job because he feels he still has much to do on behalf of taxpayers.

The appeal, he says, should not be seen as a criticism of the court.

The mayor says the entire matter began because he loves to “help kids play football.”

He also says he never saw himself in a conflict of interest because he had nothing to gain, and the city had nothing to lose.

Meanwhile, The city of Toronto’s solicitor says  Ford cannot run in a byelection, if one is called to choose his successor.

Anna Kinastowski has told council that in her opinion, a judge’s ruling removing  Ford from office for the current term precludes that option.

She also says taxpayers won’t be footing any part of Ford’s legal bills.