> ”Several days have passed since the elimination and I can only now begin to process everything I experienced, although I know that there is a part of me that will possibly never manage to overcome another first round elimination, like the one I suffered in the Qatar World Cup. That thorn is still stuck.
>
> I feel a huge responsibility for my country. It’s a pride that fills my soul. I did everything in my power: I prepared myself physically and emotionally and tried not to repeat what happened again, working hard all season. But obviously it wasn’t enough.
>
> I assume the defeat. I take full responsibility for not being able to fulfill my duty to the selection and to you.
>
> I handle the failure and I know I wasn’t up to it. But in no way will I give up representing my country, even if it costs me my life.
>
> I don’t know how or when, but I swear on my life I’m not leaving this selection without leaving it at the highest.”