Eddie Howe was holding back the tears as he said he'd assess his future before next season with Bournemouth returning to the Championship after being relegated from the Premier League.
Howe's future is one of a number of questions the Cherries need to answer as they immediately begin the tough road back to the big time - with their manager taking them from League Two to an established Premier League team over his two spells in charge.
The job Howe has done at the Vitality had led to him being strongly linked with the vacant jobs at Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton this season, and he's likely to still be considered for other Premier League jobs if he was to leave Bournemouth.
He's still reeling from Sunday though, as despite a brave late effort Bournemouth slipped out of the league with their 3-1 victory at Everton in their final game of the season not being enough - and the resulting relegation left Howe dejected and deflated.
"In terms of feelings and emotions this has been the hardest moment of my career," said Howe.
"I feel very emotional. Very disappointed, sad and dejected - loads of different things but they are difficult emotions to feel.
"I know the players are hurting. I saw the dressing room and they are all disappointed with what has happened, not necessarily today but during the season. It has not been good enough.
"I'd like to say sorry from me that we haven't been good enough this year and we haven't been able to stay in the Premier League. As the manager I take full responsibility and that is my message to them.
"I am determined for Bournemouth to get there, back in the Premier League. In terms of the future and what it looks like, that is for another day.
"I think the next step for for me is to speak to the owner and the directors and see where we go from here. We need to have a strong vision of the future."
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