Captain Andy Robertson has sent a heartfelt message to the nation after Scotland’s exit from Euro 2020.
The Liverpool defender took to social media to thank the Tartan Army for their support and to echo manager Steve Clarke in saying that this was just the beginning for the team.
A 3-1 defeat to Croatia at Hampden on Tuesday night ended hopes of a place in the last 16 in Scotland’s first major tournament appearance since 1998.
A deflating loss to the Czech Republic to kick off the campaign proved costly, even though a historic draw with England at Wembley had rallied spirits ahead of the final group stage game.
Inspired by a world-class talent in Luka Modric, though, Croatia picked up the win that sealed their own place in the next round.
Where to even start?! I suppose the first thing to do is to say that we are sorry for falling short in the end. We desperately wanted to make even more history but we didn’t quite get there and it hurts. pic.twitter.com/Oh9N1FyHuU
— Andy Robertson (@andrewrobertso5) June 23, 2021
Reflecting on the tournament, Robertson tweeted: “Where to even start?! I suppose the first thing to do is to say that we are sorry for falling short in the end. We desperately wanted to make even more history but we didn’t quite get there and it hurts.
“Seeing the entire country not only following what we’ve done and supporting us but lifting us every step of the way made a big difference From the incredible support of the Tartan Army to the kids in the street wearing Scotland shirts, we’ve felt your love and been inspired by it.”
On wearing the armband for his country at a major tournament, he said: “To captain this country and these boys means the world to me and the feeling I’ve had leading them out in a tournament is impossible to describe! What matters now is that we do all that we can to ensure that this is the start of a wonderful journey rather than the end.
“We want more. We want to qualify for more tournaments and we want to make the people of this magnificent country even prouder! We will give everything we have to make this a reality. Scotland it’s been a pleasure.”
Fans – including a few famous faces – were quick to back the skipper, and congratulate him and his teammates for their efforts.
Comedian Iain Stirling commented: “Back where we belong. Thank you Andy and the lads!”
Line of Duty star Martin Compston said: “What a man.”
Between 90min there is nothing to say, everyone is giving their best for his team.
Anyway, after that we are just old friends and it was nice to see this man again.
Your team and your country should be proud, no matter what. Brilliant atmosphere! well done🏴👏🏻 @andrewrobertso5 pic.twitter.com/QDdsXZYNgK— Dejan Lovren (@Dejan06Lovren) June 23, 2021
Croatia’s Dejan Lovren, a former team-mate of Robertson’s at Liverpool, tweeted: “Between 90min there is nothing to say, everyone is giving their best for his team. Anyway, after that we are just old friends and it was nice to see this man again.
“Your team and your country should be proud, no matter what. Brilliant atmosphere! well done.”
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