Wayne Rooney faced up to Derby County fans after being relegated to League One on Monday.
The Manchester United legend had hoped to overturn a 21-point deduction after they were placed in administration last year.
He ultimately fell up short with Derby relegated after losing to QPR - with Reading's dramatic comeback against Swansea the final nail in their coffin.
An emotional Rooney though took his squad out to meet the fans who had made the long trip to London for the game.
And speaking directly to them in a clip that emerged on Twitter, he admitted it's been a "f*****g tough" season.
Rooney is heard saying: "We're grateful for the support you've shown us all season. It's been f*****g tough, been hard. There's been difficult moments for us, for you especially.
"But we've tried our best, we've given everything we can. It's unfortunate we've been relegated but now we'll plan to make sure this club comes back."
His speech was met with a roaring applause from fans who then began to chant his name.
Derby are facing the uncertainty of a takeover this summer but Rooney is hoping to lead the club back to the Championship.
