Kylian Mbappe apologised to France supporters on social media after he missed the decisive penalty as they crashed out of Euro 2020 on Monday.
The reigning world champions appeared to be on course for a place in the next stage as brace from Karim Benzema and Paul Pogba’s brilliant strike overturned Haris Seferovic’s early opener in the first half.
But Switzerland scored twice late to make the game 3-3 after 90 minutes and force extra time.
After ectra-time, the match went to a penalty shootout and with France needing Mbappe to score, the PSG forward saw his effort saved by Switzerland keeper Yann Sommer.
The pre-tournament favourites are now out of the European competition, with Switzerland now set to play Spain in the quarter-final on Friday.
‘It’s very difficult to turn the page. The sadness is huge after this elimination, we couldn’t reach our goal,’ Mbappe posted on Instagram after France disappointing exit.
‘I’m sorry for the penalty. I wanted to help the team but I failed. ‘It will be difficult to sleep but unfortunately this is what happens in this sport I love so much.
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‘I know you fans are disappointed, but I would like to thank you for your support and for always believing in us.
‘The most important thing will be to get up even stronger for the next few years. Congratulations and good luck to Switzerland.’
Meanwhile, France skipper Hugo Lloris, who saved a penalty in the 55th minute to stop his team from going 2-0 down, defended Mbappe after his miss.
‘We win together, we lose together,’ said Lloris. ‘We are all responsible for being eliminated at this stage of the competition. There is no pointing fingers.
‘We had to deal with injuries, but we have no right to make excuses. This is a competition.’
