Mats Hummels has apologised to Roma fans for dashing their Europa League dreams, with the veteran German defender admitting: "I f*cked up."
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World Cup winner moved to Italy in 2024Vast experience being put to good useEndured moment of madness in BilbaoFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
World Cup winner Hummels stepped out of a professional comfort zone in his homeland for the first time in September 2024 when making his way to Italy. The 36-year-old centre-half signed a 12-month contract as he moved to the Italian capital.
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Roma were hoping to put Hummels’ vast experience to good use, but saw an uncharacteristic mistake from the former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund star cost them dear in a continental clash with La Liga outfit Athletic Club.
DID YOU KNOW?
Roma had entered the second leg of their last-16 encounter leading 1-0. A moment of madness from Hummels was, however, to turn the tie on its head. He was sent off just 11 minutes into a crucial clash in Bilbao, with a stray pass forcing him to dive into a last-ditch tackle that resulted in a straight red card – despite appearing to get a toe on the ball.
WHAT MATS HUMMELS SAID
Athletic Club went on to win the game in question 3-1, allowing them to progress 4-3 on aggregate. Hummels has posted on social media of contributing to Roma’s demise: "I am sorry! want to apologize to our fans and my teammates. I let everyone down today with a mistake that was simply stupid and horrendous. These games used to be the games my team could rely on me, now i fu**** up and cost the whole club the dream of winning the Europa League. Don’t know what else to say, I am as disappointed in me like all of you."