Brahim apologises: "I failed and I take full responsibility"

Brahim Diaz published a post of apology after the Africa Cup of Nations final lost by Morocco against Senegal. The Real Madrid player, who missed the penalty that could have given the title to the Atlas Lions, assumed the mistake and showed his pain at the outcome. "It hurts my soul. Yesterday I failed and I take full responsibility and apologise wholeheartedly," he wrote on his social networks.

The Moroccan international admitted that the blow will stay with him for a long time. "It will take me a long time to recover, because this wound does not heal easily," he confessed, in a message full of frustration and sadness for a historic opportunity lost at home. Brahim also thanked the support received throughout the tournament. "I dreamed of this title thanks to all the love you have given me, to every message, to every show of support," he said.

Far from hiding, Brahim wanted to address directly the Moroccan fans and those who trusted him. "I will try. Not for me, but for all those who believed in me and for all those who suffered with me," he added, before promising that he will continue to give back that love on the field.

The missed penalty has marked the story of the final, but it does not erase his Africa Cup of Nations. Brahim was the top scorer in the tournament and Morocco's main attacking reference on their way to the final. He now returns to Real Madrid with an open wound, but also having stood up in the most difficult moment.

Brahim's full statement

"My soul hurts. I dreamed of this title thanks to all the love you gave me, to every message, to every show of support that made me feel that I was not alone. I fought with everything I had, with my heart above all else. Yesterday I failed and I take full responsibility and apologise wholeheartedly. It will be hard for me to recover, because this wound does not heal easily, but I will try. Not for me, but for all those who believed in me and for all those who suffered with me. I will keep going until I can someday give back all this love and be the pride for my Moroccan people