“Racism will not suddenly disappear tomorrow. One day it will stop. It needs time and you cannot force it”.
-Andre Onana
Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana claims Europe’s top clubs haven’t signed him yet because of the colour of his skin, according to Marca.
He told Dutch newspaper Het Parool: “Along the way I have noticed: it is not easy for a black keeper to go further.
“In my first year at Ajax we reached the final of the Europa League.
He says he spoke to a club following his appearance Europa League final in 2017, but was told their fans would not accept him as their keeper. ‘It is not easy for a black goalkeeper to reach the top,’ he said. ‘They decided not to sign me because a black goalkeeper would be difficult for their followers.’
‘It wasn’t because they didn’t think I was good enough. I consider it a compliment.’
Onana went on to discuss racism in football in general.
‘Racism is there, I have to deal with it in almost every game away from home,’ he said. ‘But I’m not talking about it, I’m proud to be black. If you call me a derogatory word, fine. I don’t see a difference between black and white… if you do, that’s your problem.’
“I’ve been in Europe for twelve years. I live and work with people from all countries of the world, every colour imaginable.
Racism has been a big topic in football in 2019, with calls for governing bodies to clamp down harsher on discriminatory behaviour.
André Onana (born 2 April 1996) is a Cameroonian professional footballer who plays for Dutch club Ajax and the Cameroon national team, as a goalkeeper.
The Ajax goalkeeper was in the running for the best goalkeeper award at last year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony after another stellar campaign in Amsterdam.