England and Manchester United striker, Marcus Rashford has issued out a lengthy statement to the fans on social media following the Three Lions’ defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.
Rashford, along with Manchester United teammate Jadon Sancho and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, received racial abuse online in the hours after the loss.
The Manchester United striker, 23, who came from the bench in the final moments of extra time to be in the lineup for the shootout, took to social media to release the statement where he shared his thoughts as he reflected on England’s summer at Euro 2020 and his miss in the dramatic penalty shootout that concluded Sunday’s final against Italy.
On Monday night, Rashford shared a long written message to the supporters as he thanked them for their backing, praised his England teammates, and apologised for missing from the spot during the shootout.
“I don’t even know where to start and I don’t even know how to put into words how I’m feeling at this exact time,” he began.
“I’ve had a difficult season, I think that’s been clear for everyone to see and I probably went into that final with a lack of confidence.
“I’ve always backed myself for a penalty but something didn’t feel quite right. During the long run up I was saving myself a bit of time and unfortunately the result was not what I wanted.
“I felt as thought I had let my teammates down. I felt as if I’d let everyone down.
“A penalty was all I had been asked to contribute for the team. I can score penalties in my sleep so why not that one? It’s been playing in my head over and over since I struck the ball and there’s probably not a word to quite describe how it feels.
“Final. 55 years. 1 penalty. History. All I can say is sorry. I wish it had gone differently.
“Whilst I continue to say sorry I want to shout out my teammates. This summer has been one of the best camps I’ve experienced and you’ve all played a role in that.
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