Rodrygo posts SEVEN tweet apology for missing a penalty in defeat to Croatia

Brazil forward Rodrygo has publicly apologised for missing a penalty as his country were dumped out of the 2022 World Cup with a 4-2 penalty shoot-out defeat to Croatia.

The Real Madrid star stepped up to take Brazil's first penalty in the shootout which followed extra-time of the 1-1 draw with Croatia.

The 21-year-old, however, failed to beat goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic and it proved costly as Croatia scored all four of their penalties, leaving it all down to Marquinhos to keep their dreams alive, but the defender struck the post with his effort.

The forward was left visibly upset after failing to score in the penalty shoot-out, which saw them exit the competition in the last eight.

Rodrygo has since taken to social media to pen a length apology to the Brazilian fans, although he has insisted he will come back stronger from this experience.

He tweeted: 'Sorry. Without a doubt the most painful moment of my career, from heaven to hell in a matter of minutes, it was exactly the way I always asked it not to be.

'I know that EVERYTHING PASSES and even though at the moment I still don't have the strength to get up, I'm sure I'll be back,  I don't know how, but I'll be back and much stronger.

'Only brilliant minds go through certain trials, it certainly wouldn't be different with me, 21 years old, nothing has been easy so far and it won't be, but it will be worth it.

'Thank you to everyone who cheered and believed in us, thank you my god for everything and forgiveness for being ungrateful after everything you've done for me, I keep asking myself why me?

'Why did it have to be this way? Only those who were with me saw everything I went through during this year to get to the World Cup well and why did it want to end like this?

'I can't understand it, but then I start to remember everything and I see that I can't complain about anything and just keep doing my best in everything like I always did!

Rodrygo has insisted that Brazil will be back to win the World Cup in four years times when the 2026 tournament comes around.

He added: 'Once again, thank you all and that in 2026 everything will be different, I continue to believe that we will still be very happy! This generation is very good, it deserves and needs to be crowned. Beloved Homeland, Brazil.'