Mexico City /
André Onana has lived in first person the problem of racism that afflicts worldwide, not only in football, and that frustrated his departure from Ajax in 2017, at the end of his first season with the Dutch box.
The African archer spoke in an interview with Het Parool, where he talked about his roots in Cameroon and how difficult it was to leave your family when they chose him to be part of the Samuel Eto’o Academy, with only 11 years.
“In my first year at Ajax we reached the end of the Europa League. After that final, my agent spoke with a club that was interested, but decided not to sign me because a black goalkeeper would be difficult with his hobby. It wasn’t because they didn’t think it was good enough, ”he said.
Five years ago today, our paths crossed. I feel very fortunate to be able to share my life with you. Thank you for everything. Together, always.❤️ pic.twitter.com/2KMP1V1ViQ
– Andre Onana (@AndreyOnana) December 29, 2019
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”Racism is there. I have to deal with that in almost every away game. There is no difference between black and white, there is no difference. If someone does, it is your problem. I don’t pay much attention to things I can’t control. I avoid it or I keep itor. All I can do is be myself, ”he added.
Onana He also talked about what it meant to be at the Golden Ball ceremony in 2019, as he is aware of how difficult it is to win the prize by playing in a team like Ajax.
“I heard people say: you deserve that award. But I already thought it was a price to be there in that scenario. The best goalkeeper award, the Lev Yashin Award, it was for Alisson Becker of Liverpool. He is fantastic. As an Ajax player, it is difficult to win that prize. Ajax is a great club, but not from the same list as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Liverpool. They will see you differently when you play there, ”he said.
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