Sergio Gomez could not hide his disappointment on Instagram after losing the U21s Euro final with Spain.
The Manchester City full-back ended up on the losing side, as James Trafford, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Tommy Doyle and Cole Palmer all triumphed with England.
It was a close contest in Georgia.
But the deadlock was broken just before half-time, with Palmer’s free-kick deflecting off Curtis Jones and finding the back of the net.
England ended up winning, but not before Trafford came in clutch with a huge penalty save right at the death.
Levi Colwill’s challenge had given Spain the chance to equalise.
But Trafford guessed when Abel Ruiz was going to go, getting down low to his right.
Trafford then saved a follow-up effort.
So euphoria for City’s England boys, but despair for Gomez.
And the star’s post really does paint a picture of how he has been feeling.
Sergio Gomez sends message after Euro final defeat, Man City target Gabri Veiga responds
Gomez actually had a pretty good tournament for Spain.
He played as a winger, and him playing high up the pitch allowed him to score three goals.
That saw him finish as the tournament’s top scorer.
But there is no doubt he would trade that personal accolade for the trophy won by City’s English quartet.
Taking to Instagram, Gomez said: “Not the ending we wanted and deserved. Today pain overshadows what we have accomplished. But tomorrow we will treasure the road travelled and all the work we did to get here.
“It’s been an unforgettable month being part of a group of incredible players and an unbeatable staff. Special mention to the Generation of 2000. I love you very much and it is an honor to have been able to share with all of you the successes harvested. Just like having defended the @sefutebol. No doubt that we will continue to fight to do it many more times!”
Fans in their droves sent messages of support to the gutted Gomez.
And there was also a message from a City transfer target. Gabri Veiga, another member of Spain’s U21 squad, wrote ‘crack’, a slang term for a player with high skill/ability.
It was reported that City showed interest in Veiga after missing out on Declan Rice. The midfielder has a £34 million release clause.
Gomez must use Spain pain as fuel
Gomez is probably still hurting from the defeat to England.
But the best thing he can do now is use that pain as fuel to move forwards.
He had a good tournament overall and caught the eye with his performances playing further forwards.
It hasn’t happened for him yet at City.
But this is the case for many players that come to the Etihad at first, before they flourish from season two onwards.
There is a player in there. If he just improves defensively then City will have a really handy player on their books.
