Manchester City fullback Yan Couto was left floored by Girona's promotion playoff defeat to Rayo Vallecano.
Couto spent the season on-loan with Girona in the Segunda Division.
He posted to social media: "One of the saddest days of my life, I have no words to describe this moment. We wanted to end the season in the best way, unfortunately football is not always won. A defeat like this hurts and hurts a lot, but it serves as a lesson for me and everyone involved, even with an injury I tried to do my best to help the team, I wanted to cheer up all the fans with my best but my body didn't allow it.
"I apologize to all fans and I am very sorry for not fulfilling our dream of being in the first division. I learned to love this wonderful club and I know that we will come back stronger to fight, fight and win. God knows all things, lift your head and move on! Somi-Girona."