da leao： Vinicius Junior issued an heartfelt apology to Brazil fans after sitting out the team's Copa America quarter-final loss to Uruguay through suspension.

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Brazil knocked out of Copa America by UruguayVinicius was suspended for the matchForward apologised & vowed to inspire Brazil back to the topWHAT HAPPENED?

Brazil were eliminated from the 2024 edition of the Copa America by Uruguay at the quarter-final stage after a penalty shootout, with Vinicius suspended for the crucial match due to an accumulation of yellow cards. His suspension stemmed from receiving two yellow cards during the group stage matches – the first in a 4-1 victory over Paraguay, where Vinicius scored twice, and the second in a 1-1 draw against Colombia.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT VINICIUS SAID

Following Brazil’s elimination, Vinicius took to Instagram to express his remorse and apologise to the fans. He wrote: “Copa America is over and it’s time to reflect, and know how to deal with defeat. The feeling of frustration kicks in again and again on the penalties.”

The winger did not shy away from taking full responsibility for his unavailability, adding: "I received two yellow cards and watched elimination from outside again, but this time it’s my fault. I apologise for that."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Vinicius also addressed the criticism he has faced following Brazil's exit and insisted that he is his own biggest critic.

"I know how to listen to the criticism and the harshest ones, believe me, come from within," he wrote.

The Real Madrid star emphasised that he is just at the beginning of his journey with the national team and is committed to helping Brazil achieve its goals in the future.

"My national team journey, fortunately, is just beginning," he said. "Next to my teammates, I'll have the chance to relocate our national team to the place it deserves. WE WILL BE BACK ON TOP! I LOVE YOU AND WE ARE TOGETHER! 7️⃣🇧🇷🤝🏿."

Getty Images WHAT NEXT?

Vinicius will take a break from action before he returns for pre-season with Real Madrid in the Spanish capital. However, Carlo Ancelotti's men will soon leave for a tour of the USA, where they will face AC Milan in Chicago on July 31, before a much-anticipated clash against Barcelona in New Jersey a week later on August 3. They will conclude their US tour with a match against Chelsea on August 6.