"Love Always Win": Bukayo Saka's Heartfelt Message to English Fans

Bukayo Saka speaks out for the first time after England's EURO 2020 defeat to Italy on penalties which led to him being racially abused across multiple social media platforms.

Gianluigi Donnarumma saves Arsenal's starlet Bukayo Saka's penalty kick

“ 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 be love that I've received, and I feel that I need to thank everyone who has supported me”.

“It was an honor to be a part of an England squad that leads by example, they're brothers for life and I'm grateful for everything that I've learnt from every one of the players and staff who worked so hard. To help that team reach our first finals 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.”

“They're no words to tell you how disappointed I was with the results 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 would give everything we got to make sure this generation knows how it feels to win”.

“My reaction post-match said it all, I was hurting so much that I felt like I've let you all and my England family down, but I promise you this.. I'll not let that moment or the negativity 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, gender, religions, and backgrounds coming together with one shared joy of the rollercoaster of football”

“To the social media platforms, Instagram and Facebook, I don't want any child and adult to have to receive the hateful messages that me, Marcus, and Jadon have received this week. I knew instantly the kind of hate I was about to receive and that is a sad reality that your powerful platforms are not doing enough to stop these messages.

There's no place for racism or hate of any kind in football or any area in 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 driving out the hate by being kind to one another, we will win.

Love always wins

Bukayo Saka