Bukayo Saka Breaks His Silence After Devastating Euro 2020 Defeat
Bukayo Saka has broken his silence after England’s heartbreaking loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 Final. Saka was in tears after his penalty miss which led to Italy securing the win, but he has now come forward and spoken about the night.
He started off by saying that he had taken some time off social media to “spend time with my family and reflect on the last few weeks” and said that he feels a need to thank everyone who has supported him.
“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.”
In regards to the penalty miss and result, Buyako said that there are “no words” to describe how disappointed he was.
“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.”
He added that his post-match reaction “said it all” and he felt as if he had let the fans and his “England family” down. However, he said: “But I can promise you this… I will not let that moment or the negativity that I’ve received this week break me.
“For those who have campaigned on my behalf and sent me heartfelt letters, wished me and my family well – I’m so thankful. This is what football should be about. Passion, people of all races, genders, religions and backgrounds coming together with one shared joy of the rollercoaster of football.”
He also spoke directly to social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and said “I don’t want any child or adult to have to receive the hateful and hurtful messages that me, Marcus and Jadon have received this week.”
The Arsenal forward said that he knew “instantly” what type of abuse he would receive after he missed the penalty, and said that these platforms are “not doing enough” to stop such hurtful messages from being sent.
“There is no place for racism or hate of any kind in football or in any area of society and to the majority of people coming together to call out the people sending these messages, by taking action and reporting these comments to the police and by driving out the hate by being kind to one another, we will win.
Love always wins.”
