England and Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has
posted a long message to the supporters on social media following the Three
Lions’ loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.
Rashford took to social media to deliver a written statement
as he cleared up and shared his feelings as he pondered on England’s summer at
Euro 2020 and his miss in the tense penalty shootout that ended Sunday’s final
against Italy.
Rashford came off the subs’ bench in the final minutes of
extra time particularly to be in the lineup for the shootout, but the
Manchester United player, who is no newcomer to penalty-taking duties for club
or country, saw his spot-kick clip the outside of the post as his effort went
wide.
On Monday night, Rashford accorded a long written message to
the fans as he acknowledged them for their backing, hailed his England
team-mates and apologized 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.
“A brotherhood has been built that is unbreakable. Your
success is my success. Your failures are mine.”
Rashford then addressed some of the abuse he had received
following England’s defeat at Wembley on Sunday night.
“I’ve grown into a sport where I expect to read things
written about myself,” he continued.
“Whether it be the colour of my skin, where I grew up, or,
most recently, how I decide to spend my time off the pitch.
“I can take critique of my performance all day long, my
penalty was not good enough, it should have gone in but I will never apologise
for who I am and where I come from.
“I’ve felt no prouder moment than wearing those three ions
on my chest and seeing my family cheer me on in a crowd of 10s of thousands. I
dreamt of days like this.”
The United striker then thanked those who have provided him
with messages of support, especially those from his home town, as he promised
to bounce back better in the months and years ahead.
“The messages I’ve received today have been positively
overwhelming and seeing the response in Withington had me on the verge of
tears,” he said.
The communities that always wrapped their arms around me
continue to hold me up.
“I’m Marcus Rashford, 23-year-old, black man from Withington
and Wythenshawe, South Manchester. If I have nothing else I have that.
“For all the kind messages, thank you. I’ll be back
stronger. We’ll be back stronger.”