Marcus Rashford has apologized after missing a penalty in Sunday’s European Championship final against Italy. The English striker was racially treated on social media afterwards, along with also black teammates Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka.
In a touching message on Twitter, Rashford wrote: ,,I can criticize my performance all day long, my penalty wasn’t good enough, it should have been in but I will never apologize for who I am and where I come from.
I’ve never felt a prouder moment than carrying those three lions on my chest and watching my family cheer me on in a crowd of tens of thousands. I am Marcus Rashford, a 23 year old black man from Withington and Wythenshawe, South Manchester. If I don’t have anything else, I have that.”
About missing the penalty, Rashford wrote: ,,I don’t even know where to start and I don’t even know how to put into words how I felt at that exact moment. I’ve had a tough season, I think that was clear to everyone and I probably went into that final with a lack of confidence.
I felt like I had let my teammates down. I felt like I had let everyone down. A penalty was all I was asked to contribute to the team performance. I can use penalties in my sleep, so why not them? It’s been playing in my head over and over since I hit the ball and there’s probably no word to describe what it feels like. All I can say is sorry. I wish it had turned out differently.”
Rashford also addressed the defacement of his mural in Withington (Manchester). It had offensive graffiti on it. Local residents then covered it up and attached hearts and messages of love to it.
“The messages I have received today have been overwhelming and when I saw the reactions in Withington I was about to cry.”
The Manchester United striker is known for helping underprivileged children, which is why he posted a statement of support from a 9-year-old boy.
“I hope you won’t be sad for too long because you’re such a good person. Last year you inspired me to help those less fortunate. And last night you inspired me again, to always be brave. I am proud of you, you will always be a hero.”
