It is a message that is both powerful and moving.
Marcus Rashford victim of multiple racist insults after his missed penalty in the final of the Euro, this Sunday, responded to his detractors.
“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 and I probably approached this final with a lack of confidence, ”he confides by way of introduction.
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The Manchester United player apologizes for missing the shot on goal that could have given England a victory in a major competition for the first time in 55 years.
“I haven't stopped replaying the action in my head since I hit the ball and there probably isn't a word to describe how I feel.
Final.
55 years.
A penalty.
History.
All I can say is "sorry".
I would have liked it to happen differently ”confides the international.
"I will never apologize for what I am"
He then returns to the racist remarks he was the victim of on social networks barely the game over.
“I grew up in a sport where I expect to read things written about me.
Whether it's the color of my skin, where I grew up or, more recently, how I decide to spend my time off the pitch.
I can take criticism of my performance all day, my penalty was not good enough, it should have been converted, but I will never apologize for who I am and where I come from.
I have never been so proud to wear these three lions on my chest ”evokes visibly very moved the young“ Lion ”.
pic.twitter.com/f7zT9gkAYk
- Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) July 12, 2021
The big fellow also admits to having been moved by all the messages of support, and in particular those from the neighborhood from which he comes. “I dreamed of days like this. The messages I received today shocked me and I was on the verge of tears seeing Withington's reaction. The communities who have always surrounded me with their arms continue to support me. My name is Marcus Rashford, I am 23 years old, I am black and I am from Withington and Wythenshawe in the south of Manchester. If I have nothing else, I have it, ”he concludes. “I would come back stronger. We will come back stronger ”: a message that made England proud of their striker.