Jadon Sancho releases statement over England heartache and horrific racial abuse
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Jadon Sancho has spoken out on the horrendous racial abuse he, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka suffered off the back of the Euro 2020 final.
All three tragically missed penalties for England in the dramatic shootout at Wembley on Sunday night.
And the Manchester United-bound winger has now broken his silence over the pain of the past few days.
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma saved Sancho's spot-kick as he went fourth for the Three Lions in the shootout.
Gareth Southgate brought the 21-year-old on as a late substitute deep into extra time so he could step up and take a penalty.
But Sancho could not convert, and the racial abuse directed at him and his England team-mates following their misses has been incredibly tough for the young talent to handle this week.
On Wednesday evening, the Borussia Dortmund and England attacker released a statement on social media to summarise his thoughts.
It read (sic): "I’ve had a couple of days to reflect on Sunday's final and still feel a mix of emotions. I would like to say sorry to all my teammates, coaching staff and most of all the fans who I let down.
"This is by far the worst feeling I’ve felt in a long time, It’s hard to even put into words the real feeling, but there were so many positives to take away from this tournament though the defeat will hurt for a long time. My first thought before going into any football match is always “How can I help my team?, how am I going to assist ? how am I going to score ? how am I going to create chances ? And that’s exactly what I wanted to do with that penalty, help the team.
How will Jadon Sancho bounce back, and what do you expect for him at Manchester United this season if, as expected, he completes his transfer? Let us know in the comments section.
"I was ready and confident to take it, these are the moment's you dream of as a kid, it is why I play football. These are the pressured situations you want to be under as a footballer. I’ve scored penalties before at club level, I’ve practiced them countless times for both club and country so I picked my corner but it just wasn’t meant to be this time.
"We all had the same ambitions and objectives. We wanted to bring the trophy home.
"This has been one of the most enjoyable camps I’ve been part of in my career so far, the togetherness of the team has been unmatched, a real family on and off the pitch.
"I’m not going pretend that I didn’t see the racial abuse that me and my brothers Marcus and Bukayo received after the game, but sadly it's nothing new. As a society we need to do better, and hold these people accountable.
"Hate will never win. To all the young people who have received similar abuse, hold your heads up high and keep chasing the dream. I am proud of this England team and how we have united the whole nation in what has been a difficult 18 months for so many people. Much as we wanted to win the tournament, we will build and learn from this experience going forward.
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"I want to say a massive thank you for all the positive messages and love and support that far outweighed the negative. It’s been an honour as always representing England and wearing the Three Lions shirt, and I have no doubt we’ll be back even stronger! Stay safe & see you soon (inset of love heart emoji). JS7."
Since the Euro 2020 final, Sancho had his medical with United on Tuesday ahead of a £73m transfer to Old Trafford.
Once the deal is complete, he will now go on his summer holidays before returning for the 2021/22 season.
Get your hands on your club's special edition 2021/22 annual. Find out more here.
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