England’s defeat in the final of Euro 2020 at Wembley Stadium could effectively be a scene out of a dramatic sports film. Following the 1-1 finish to the match right after additional time, Italy went on to win the championship right after England’s Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka missed their penalties. The 3 players who missed England’s penalties on Sunday became the target of a stream of racist abuse on social media. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Prince William have been amongst these who condemned the racist abuse as “appalling” and “sickening”. There was also a substantial section of the internet who applauded and supported the team’s work. And a heart-warming endorsement of help for striker Marcus Rashford came in the type of a letter penned by a nine-year-old.
In it, the nine-year-old described Rashford to be a “hero” and declared that he was proud of the footballer. The warm note from Dexter Rosier was shared on social media by his mother, Samantha Rosier.
In the letter, the boy wrote, “Dear Marcus Rashford, I hope you won’t be sad for too long because you are such a good person. Last year you inspired me to help people less fortunate. Then last night you inspired me again, to always be brave. I’m proud of you, you will always be a hero. From: Dexter Rosier. Age: 9”
Sharing the tweet, the boy’s mother mentioned, “My heart, this kid. What a team and what a month all the joy, excitement and inspiration they’ve given us.” She also tagged the players.
My heart ❤️ this kid ⭐️
What a group and what a month all the joy, excitement and inspiration they’ve provided us ???????????????????????????? @England@MarcusRashford@GaryLineker@rioferdy5@piersmorgan@GarethSouthgate@HKane@IanWright0#MarcusRashford#england#GarethSouthgate#ThreeLions#inspiringpic.twitter.com/ajL1vgZW4f
— Samantha Rosier (@SamanthaRosier1) July 12, 2021
The tweet and the note quickly went viral on social media. Television host and presenter Piers Morgan shared the letter.
Tagging the footballer, he wrote, “Hey Marcus Rashford — I think this young man speaks for the vast majority of people in this country.”
Hey @MarcusRashford – I believe this young man speaks for the vast majority of men and women in this nation. ???? https://t.co/HMfbCJG8O0
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 12, 2021
Several fans of the game utilized the boy’s letter to express their help for the players.
Responding to his mother’s original post, one user mentioned, “What a wonderful, beautiful letter, your son is amazing — you are obviously an excellent parent.”
What a great, stunning letter, your son is incredible – you are naturally an great parent ❤️
— Jen: life is as well brief not to Gif #proEU Coopitter (@jenben71) July 12, 2021
Another user mentioned, “This kid speaks for me.”
This kid speaks for me. https://t.co/DPVf9sSxYA
— Waterrat (@WaterratAccntnt) July 13, 2021
“This is what we need,” one comment study.
This is what we want. This small guy speaks for us all. ???? https://t.co/kLO8GjgOSN
— Tim Moran (@timmoran2000) July 13, 2021
“Let the racists do one. This 9-year-old kid says it right. There’s a better time coming,” a fan pointed out.
Let the racists do one. This 9 year old kid says it proper. There’s a greater time coming. #RashfordSanchoSakahttps://t.co/LYN7U838iQ
— BrexistentialCrisis FBPE ???????????? (@BrexistentialC) July 12, 2021
Thanks to the energy of the world wide web, the letter was brought to Rashford’s consideration. Overwhelmed by the affection and warmth, the footballer shared the letter along with a bunch of other fan mails. The pictures of the letters have been attached to a potent statement in which the footballer condemned the racially charged abuse directed to him and his teammates.
— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) July 12, 2021
Among other factors, he mentioned, “I can take critique of my performance all day long, my penalty was not good enough, it should have gone in, but I will never apologise for who I am and where I came from.” He also added, ” For all the kind messages, thank you. I’ll be back stronger. We’ll be back stronger.”
Read the total statement right here:
— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) July 12, 2021
Tell us what you believe of the heart-warming letter by the nine-year-old in the comments section.