England-Born Nigerian Star Saka Speaks For 1st After Missing Decisive Penalty Against Italy

England-Born Nigerian Star Saka Speaks For 1st After Missing Decisive Penalty Against Italy

Akan Anwankwo
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:45 PM
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  • Bukayo Saka has come out to speak for the first time since England's dramatic shoot-out loss to Italy at Euro 2020
  • The Arsenal forward was racially attacked after missing the last penalty that gave the Azzurri's the trophy
  • The 19-year-old believes social media platforms are not doing enough to curb racism from fans who attack players

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Bukayo Saka has aired his opinion after coming under racial abuses from fans when he missed England's decisive spot-kick that gave Italy the Euro 2020 title, Instagram, Sky Sports.

How Saka missed his penalty

The 19-year-old was given the responsibility to play the last spot-kick for the Three Lions which could have sent the shoot-outs into sudden death.

England-born Nigerian star Saka speaks for 1st after missing decisive penalty against Italy
Bukayo Saka insists he will remain strong despite the numerous racist comment meted at him by Angland fans Photo by Nick Potts
Source: Getty Images

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But a brilliant save from Gianluigi Donnarumma ended England's dream of winning their first trophy since the 1966 World Cup.

The Arsenal forward was then subjected to racial comments from fans with some saying he should return to his ancestral home Nigeria.

Saka's response to racial abuses

However, the skilful winger posted an emotional message on his social media handle insisting he will not be broken by the racial abuses.

"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."

The Gunners winger also added the social media platforms are not doing enough to curb racism.

"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."

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that Luke Shaw has developed a bond with Bukayo Saka up to the level that the Man United defender wishes the Arsenal star could be his brother, Sport Bible.

Saka broke into England's first team during Euro 2020 and has started two games so far against the Czech Republic and Germany.

The 19-year-old made an impression against the Czech's but could replicate the same performance in the win over Germany.

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Akan Anwankwo
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