Rashford reacts to the Euro 2020 final
Manchester United and England striker Marcus Rashford has released a deeply personal statement on social media, reflecting on Sunday’s Euro 2020 final against Italy.
Our homegrown hero was one of three players who missed penalties during a dramatic penalty shootout at Wembley Stadium and, disgracefully, he has been subjected to racist abuse online.
The club has condemned this vile behaviour and we urge supporters to utilise our See Red campaign, which allows you to report abuse and discrimination online.
Here, you can read Rashford’s passionate and emotional words in full…
“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. 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.
— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) July 12, 2021
“I felt as though I had let my team-mates down. I felt as if I'd let everyone down. A penalty was all I'd been asked to contribute for the team. I can 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 of gone differently. Whilst I continue to say sorry I want to shout out my team-mates. 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.
“I've felt no prouder moment than wearing those three lions on my chest and seeing my family cheer me on in a crowd of 10s of thousands. I dreamt of days like this.
“For all the kind messages, thank you. I'll be back strong. We'll be back stronger.”