Atletico Madrid's Juanfran praises supporters after pivotal penalty miss

Days after his penalty miss handed Real Madrid a record 11th European Cup victory, Atletico Madrid defender Juanfran released a statement thanking supporters for their support.

"I will never forget your displays of affection when I came to ask for your forgiveness," Juanfran's statement said Monday.

Mensaje de Juanfran a la afición: Hola atléticos, Le he pedido al club dirigirme a todos vosotros a través de esta carta para deciros todo lo que siento. Nunca olvidaré vuestras muestras de afecto cuando me acerqué a pediros perdón. Ver mis lágrimas reflejadas en los rostros de los miles de rojiblancos que llenabais ese fondo del estadio sirvió para sobrellevar la tremenda tristeza que me abatía en esos duros momentos. Al igual que el apoyo de mis compañeros, técnicos y toda la gente que formamos esta gran familia. También quiero daros las gracias por creer siempre en nosotros y, sobre todo, por demostrar que ser del Atleti es algo muy especial, diferente, y que nuestro corazón late más fuerte que ningún otro. Hace dos años os dije que volveríamos a una final, ahora os digo que Gabi, nuestro capitán, levantará la Champions más tarde o más temprano y lo celebraremos todos juntos en Neptuno. Os quiero mucho y AÚPA ATLETI. - Message from Juanfran to the fans: Hello Atléticos, I have asked the club to address all of you with this letter to tell you everything I feel. I will never forget your displays of affection when I came to ask for your forgiveness. Seeing my tears reflected in the faces of the thousands of Atléticos that packed that end of the stadium helped me cope with the tremendous sadness I felt in those hard times. As well as the support of my teammates, coaches, and all the people that makes this big family. I also want to thank you for always believing in us and, above all, for proving that being an Atlético is something very special, different, and that our heart beats stronger than any other. Two years ago, I told you that we would return to a final, now, I tell you that Gabi, our captain, will lift the Champions League sooner or later, and we will celebrate it all together in Neptuno. I love you very much and GO ATLETI.

A photo posted by Atlético de Madrid (@atleticodemadrid) on May 30, 2016 at 6:03am PDT

Juanfran's tearful face was shown on the video board at the San Siro as Real players celebrated their win. Hard not to feel bad for the Spanish international whose penalty gaffe was the only miss followed by Cristiano Ronaldo's match-winner.

"Seeing my tears reflected in the faces of the thousands of Atleticos that packed that end of the stadium helped me cope with the tremendous sadness I felt in those hard times."

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Atletico Madrid's Juanfran praises supporters after pivotal penalty miss

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