Bruno Fernandes has taken to Instagram to apologise for missing a last minute penalty in Manchester United's 1-0 loss to Aston Villa.
The 27 year old, who has one of the best records from the spot in Europe, was given the chance to equalise after his side had fallen behind to a Kourtney Hause header 3 minutes from time.
But, after some incredible mind games from Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, Fernandes fired over the bar, something he could not hide his devastation about.
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"Nobody is more frustrated and disappointed than me for missing the penalty and the consequent defeat," he wrote. "I've always assumed my responsibilities and I've always embraced them under pressure in moments like this.
"Today, I failed. But I took a step forward and faced the challenge with the same ambition and responsibility as when, on the many other occasions, the ball ended up in the net.
"Criticism and contrasting opinions are a big part of football. I've learned to live with it, even using them to drive me on, and I consider it all a very important part of my commitment to never stop trying to become the best player I can possibly be, for me and the team.
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"Today I once again took the responsibility given to me almost since I joined United and I will take it again without any fear or dread whenever called upon."
After the match, Fernandes' manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær defended the miss and rejected claims that Cristiano Ronaldo was annoyed that he wasn't allowed to take it.
"You will be making all these assumptions now on the reaction of players," he said, as quoted by Metro. "Bruno has been excellent, he's such a good penalty taker. Today, you'd back him with your mortgage, I guess.
"We've got great takers here. It's just a missed opportunity for us to get a point."
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Fernandes concluded his apology by promising that he will return a better player after this setback.
"The most important thing for me is to win together and I'll always do everything I can to help my teammates and the club to be the best we can be.
"I'm a player who leaves everything on the pitch, with great desire and commitment. And that's what I'll continue to do.
"Thank you for all your support after the final whistle! Hearing you chanting my name in the stadium was very emotional... I will come back stronger for me, because these are the standards I hold myself to, but most of all for my teammates and our fans who have always supported us."
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Bruno Fernandes, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Premier League, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Cristiano Ronaldo