Vinícius Júnior apologizes after Brazil's World Cup elimination: 'I feel absurd frustration'

Vinícius Júnior, the Brazilian forward, conveyed his "absurd frustration" after the national team's premature departure from the World Cup. He issued an apology for the team's performance, acknowledging that despite possessing a "sufficiently strong" squad, they did not achieve their goal of advancing further.

"I apologize and will fight for our dream of returning to the top of the world," Vinícius stated in a message shared on social media five days after Brazil's 2-1 loss to Norway in the round of 16. The Real Madrid player described the feeling of exiting the World Cup in the round of 16 as difficult to explain, emphasizing that wearing the national team's jersey is the greatest pride of his life.

Vinícius explained that he decided to share his thoughts after several days of "reflection," feeling it was "unfair" to remain silent given the support from numerous fans. "I know how much I prepared, how much I concentrated, how much I wanted this for you and for my family," he added in his post.