ANDRE ONANA has claimed that top clubs do not want to sign him because he is black – after one team turned him down in 2017.
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.
Onana has been one of several stars to emerge at AjaxCredit: Getty – Contributor
Numerous sides have been linked with a move but, given how he remains in the Netherlands, Onana feels the colour of his skin remains a barrier for some clubs.
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.
“After that final, my agent spoke to an interested club, but that club decided not to sign me because a black goalkeeper would be difficult for their supporters.
“So it wasn’t because they didn’t think I was good enough.
“I considered it a compliment.”
Throughout 2019, racism remained a major issue across football with almost no league avoiding scenes of sick abuse.
Racism will not suddenly disappear tomorrow. One day it will stop. It needs time and you cannot force it.
Andre Onana
Onana has vowed not to leave the field when he is targeted as “that’s what they want” and believes change can only come gradually.
He continued: “Racism is there, I have to deal with it in almost every away game.
“But I’m not talking about it. I’m proud to be black. If you call me a monkey, fine. I see no difference between white and black and I make no difference. 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.
“At each match, you hear in the stadiums: ‘No to racism’, But racism is not only in football, it is everywhere.
“Racism was there long before I was born, and it will not suddenly disappear tomorrow. One day it will stop. It needs time and you cannot force it.”
NEAR MISS
Ajax were denied a place in last season’s Champions League final by a dramatic comeback from Tottenham at Johan Cruyff Arena.
For ex-Barcelona youth prospect Onana, Lucas Moura’s hat-trick was a sickening blow that ended a remarkable run in the competition.
The Cameroon international recalled: “I went home quickly. I laid in bed and stared at the ceiling.
“My phone was full of messages from people who want to support you, but I didn’t answer anyone.
“I fell asleep off at five o’clock. At nine o’clock I was back at the club.
“Everyone was talking about that match, I couldn’t get away from it.
“Do you know I never saw that game again? I don’t find it difficult to watch – I don’t rule out that I will ever will – but I do not want to be concerned with it anymore.”
Matthijs De Ligt arrives in Turin as he completes his £67.5m move from Ajax to Juventus
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
