England footballer Wayne Rooney has said sorry to fans for the team’s dismal World Cup showing, admitting: “It hasn’t worked out.”
The striker’s Facebook apology came after Costa Rica beat Italy to guarantee an early exit for Roy Hodgson’s squad.
The collapse of their World Cup campaign just eight days into the tournament followed 2-1 defeats to both Italy and Uruguay.
It is the first time the national side has failed to make the tournament’s knockout stage since 1958.
Rooney, who is back at England’s hotel in Rio de Janeiro preparing for a Costa Rica clash that will ultimately count for nothing, told his 21 million Facebook fans he was “absolutely devastated” to be leaving Brazil early.
“Going into each game we had great belief in ourselves but unfortunately it hasn’t worked out,” the Manchester United star wrote, his disappointment despite scoring his first ever World Cup goal all too evident.
“Sorry to all the fans that travelled and at home that we haven’t done better. Gutted.”
Rooney has been criticised by some England supporters who expected more from one of the squad’s most experienced players.
But he was backed by many fans on Facebook and by his Manchester United team-mate Robin van Persie, who said: “I don’t think you can blame him for scoring one goal, working his socks off and missing three chances by inches.”
The Netherlands captain added: “He gave his all for his country, like he always does. He’s a great player, a great goal scorer, so I don’t think it’s fair on him to criticise him that much.”
