Arsenal and England star Bukayo Saka has thanked fans for the love and support they have shown him after his penalty miss for England and the subsequent racist abuse.
Saka took the fifth and decisive penalty for England on Sunday night as they lost on spot kicks to Italy in the Euro 2020 final. The Arsenal forward, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho were targeted with abuse on social media after the game.
But the 19-year-old of Nigerian descent has now insisted “love always wins” in the face of what he has experienced.
Saka posted on Twitter: “I have stayed away from social media for a few days to spend time with my family and reflect on the last few weeks. This message won’t do it justice how grateful I am for all the love that I have received, and I feel that I need to thank everyone who has supported me,” said Saka as reported by The Athletic on Thursday.
“It was an honour to be part of an England squad that leads by example, they are brothers for life and I’m grateful for everything that I have learnt from every one of the players and staff who worked so hard. To help that team reach our first final in 55 years, seeing my family in the crowd, knowing what they’ve given up to help me get there, that meant everything to me.
“There are no words to tell you how disappointed I was with the result and my penalty. I really believed we would win this for you. I’m sorry that we couldn’t bring it home for you this year, but I promise you that we will give everything we’ve got to make sure this generation knows how it feels to win.
“My reaction post match said it all, I was hurting so much and I felt like I’d let you all and my England family down, but I can promise you this.. I will not let that moment or the negativity that I’ve received this week break me.