Bukayo Saka says he expected to be targeted by racists on social media following his penalty miss in the Euro 2020 final but insists the negativity will not “break” him.
The 19-year-old saw his spot-kick saved as Italy triumphed at Wembley on Sunday and was then sent sickening messages along with team-mates Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho.
Police have arrested five people for racially abusing England players online after Sunday’s final and in a heartfelt message posted on his Twitter account, Saka urged social media platforms to step up their efforts to stamp out racial abuse.
He said, “I have stayed away from social media for a few days to spend time with my family and reflect on the last few weeks.
“This message won’t do it justice how grateful I am for all the love that I have received, and I feel that I need to thank everyone who has supported me.
“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.
“There are no words to tell you how disappointed I was with the result and my penalty. 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.
“My reaction post-match said it all, I was hurting so much and I felt like I’d let you all and my England family down, 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.
“To the social media platforms Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, 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.
“I knew instantly the kind of hate that I was about to receive and that is a sad reality that your powerful platforms are not doing enough to stop these messages.”
