Victim of racism on social networks like his teammates Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka after missing their shot on goal in the Euro final, Marcus Rashford reacted on social networks to express his disappointment at having missed a decisive shot on goal that would have marked the history of English football but also and above all to affirm his pride in relation to his skin color and to thank the people who have argued in this difficult ordeal.
The Manchester United player also posted photos of letters of support sent by young England fans as well as a mural of him featuring racist slurs covered in hearts and words of encouragement.
Here is the touching message from the 23-year-old in French:
“I don’t even know where to start and I don’t even know how to put words to how I’m feeling right now. I had a difficult season, I think everyone saw it clearly and I probably came into this final with a lack of confidence. I often took my responsibilities from the penalty spot but felt that something was wrong. During the long run to the ball, I saved some time and unfortunately the result was not what I expected.
I felt that I had let down my teammates, that I had let down everyone. A penalty is all that was asked of me to help the team. I can score penalties in my dreams, why not this one? It’s been stuck in my head since I shot that ball and there is probably no word to describe how I feel. A final. 55 years. 1 penalty. The story. All I can say is sorry. I wish it had happened differently.
While I apologize, I would like to thank my teammates. This summer has been one of the best camps I have had and you played a part in it. A brotherhood has been built and it is unbreakable. Your success is mine. Your failures are mine. I grew up in a sport where I expect to read things about myself. Whether it’s about the color of my skin, where I grew up or, more recently, how I’ve decided to spend my time off the pitch.
I can accept the criticisms of my performance, my penalty was not taken well enough, it should have gone in but I will never apologize for who I am and where I come from. I have known no more pride than the moment I carried these three lions on my chest and saw my family supporting me in a crowd of thousands. I dreamed of days like this.
The messages I receive today have been touching and seeing the response to Withington brought me to the verge of tears. The communities that have always been there for me continue to support me. I’m Marcus Rashford, 23, a black man from Withington and Wythenshawe in South Manchester. If I have nothing else, I have this.
For all the kind messages, thank you. I will come back stronger. We will come back stronger.
MR10“
►►► To read also: Euro: unanimous condemnations of racist insults targeting English players
