NEW YORK — When the Yankees were finally embraced and the tears dried up more than an hour after they lost the World Series in unfathomable fashion to the Dodgers, it was Juan Soto’s turn, giving a postgame interview in the middle of the clubhouse.

There were two questions about the Yankees’ blooper-filled 7-6 loss in Game 5 and subsequent 10-minute free agency loss.

It’s here. The Yankees have exclusive negotiating rights for five days, but there is absolutely no chance they will work out a deal by Monday.

Biggest takeaway?

Soto had several opportunities to say he would like to stay with the Yankees, but failed each time.

Agent Scott Boras trained this young man.

Soto also made it clear that the Yankees would not receive a hometown discount. He says that all 30 teams are in the game and that his biggest criterion is that the team wins.

“I feel like every team has an equal opportunity when I go to free agency,” Soto said. “I don’t want to say anyone has an advantage because at the end of the day we’ll see what they have.”

Soto also dropped a funny quote when asked if Yankees fans’ love for him might influence his decision:

“It will probably have an impact on the owner’s decision! We’ll see what happens next. I’m definitely very excited and really grateful to these fans. They’ve been incredible all year.”

What Soto should have said if he wanted to go to a winning team that offered the most money.

The initial speculation is that Soto will receive at least $600 million.

“That’s a lot of money that people are talking about here,” he said.

Will the Yankees get that high? Here’s the latest:

An industry source told NJ Advance Media baseball columnist Bob Klapisch on Wednesday that the Yankees will be “competitive.”

That may not be nearly enough if the Mets or someone else is all-in.

The questions about Soto’s future began when he was asked if he believes he has played his last game as a Yankee.

“You never know,” he replied. “At the end of the day we will see where we stand. It’s definitely a tough game being my last game, but I’m really happy with what we’ve achieved as a team and how far we’ve come. We definitely wanted to be the last team standing, but things happen.”

Soto was then asked if he hoped to return to the Yankees if the money was right. Even then he wouldn’t say yes.

“We need to sit down and look at it whenever we get a chance to work with my agent,” he said.

Here are more highlights:

Soto on free agency:

“It will be exciting. It will be a good experience. I think every player in the major leagues wants to experience what it’s going to be like in free agency.”

Soto if the perception who wants to sign with Yankees or Mets:

“I do not believe that. I’m really happy with the city, with the team and with the performance of these guys. But at the end of the day we’ll see. We will look at every situation and every offer I receive and make a decision.

Soto continued on if he thinks the Mets will pursue him:

“I don’t know the teams that want to come after me, but I’m definitely open to every single team. I haven’t closed any doors, so I will be available for all 30 teams.

Soto on whether it would be difficult to leave the Yankees:

“It’s always hard to leave a place that has a successful team. In any case, this place was very special. It was great fun for me. I was really happy. In any case, whether I’m here or not. I would be really happy for the team. The people I met here were a very special group. But at the end of the day we’ll see what happens.

Soto on whether it would be hard to lose Judge as a teammate:

“I’m really happy with what we’ve done this year as a duo, as teammates. “Simply incredible. I really learned a lot from him. That was really cool to see. I will make this my next step.”

Soto on possibly leaving the Yankees after hitting 41 homers behind Judge

“I would say this group of men will remain in my heart for the rest of my life. This year is really special for me. But definitely I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved. Thanks to Judge.”

Soto on whether he wants to return to the Yankees to win the World Series next year and lose this season:

“We’ll look at the Yankees as one of the teams I’ll try to work with and we’ll go from there.”

Soto on giving the Yankees a chance to match big offers:

“The Yankees, I have open arms for them to come in and talk to me. I didn’t close any doors. I’m going to keep all my doors open and whoever wants to come in and talk, we’ll have a good conversation.”

Soto on Yankees teammates’ message to him about free agency:

“They just wish me good luck. Make sure I do what is best for me and my family. These guys were special. I’m really happy to play with them.”

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Randy Miller can be reached at [email protected].

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