His father is African-American, the mother German. In the interview, the former US soccer player Chancellor Merkel compares with his grandmother and calls Trump “one of the worst people in the world”.
In the chest of Terrence Boyd two hearts beat: a German and an American. Because he is the son of an African American soldier and a German. Boyd himself was born in Bremen – and also made a career here in Germany. The 29-year-old played for RB Leipzig and Darmstadt 98 in the Bundesliga, trained under Jürgen Klopp at BVB. Until 2016, he also ran for the US national team. He is now under contract with Halleschen FC in the third division.
And one topic in particular is currently on his mind: the protests in the United States against racism that were triggered by the violent death of 46-year-old George Floyd in Minneapolis. Boyd has a family in New York, and his cousin is currently protesting there on the street. And he would like to be there himself.
Time together with Jürgen Klopp: Terrence Boyd was under contract with BVB from 2011 to 2014. He played for the amateurs, trained with the professionals. (Source: DeFodi / imago images)
However, this is not possible due to the corona crisis and the associated US entry ban. Boyd looks at the United States from the outside. In an interview with t-online.de, he explains how he feels about it, why he compares Angela Merkel with his own grandma and why he believes that the protests in his father’s home country must “pop”
Mr. Boyd, you were born in Bremen, but you have an African-American father and played for the US national team yourself. What is your first feeling when you think about Donald Trump right now?
Terrence Boyd (29): I’m sad. Donald Trump is one of the worst people on our planet. He is driving his country apart and making things worse in the United States. I love the United States, but I hate what Trump made of the country.
Imagine you could face Trump in person today: what would you say to him?
Clearly: Donald, aren’t you ashamed? But Trump is so self-sufficient that even he wouldn’t be interested in that.
Armored police officers behind him: American President Donald Trump. (Source: AP / dpa)
You have many friends and relatives in the United States. How do you experience developments in the country after George Floyd’s death?
Many of them are very angry. Part of my family lives in New York, where my father also comes from. I just wrote with my 21 year old cousin. I am proud of him. He goes out to protest.
What exactly did you say to him?
Take care, it’s dangerous – but you’re doing the right thing. For me personally, it is extremely difficult that I can only speak about the situation from the outside. I would like to be there myself now.
In New York?
Yes. It is a very strange feeling to be in Germany at the moment and just to watch the situation: I am almost ashamed that I am not currently walking on the streets of New York. I would like to get on the next plane to the United States to protest. Unfortunately, Corona doesn’t do that. It is historical what is happening there.
There are many peaceful but also some violent protests.
Of course, no cars may be set on fire or police officers attacked. Most police officers have families and are great people. But we have to be honest with ourselves: there is hardly any other solution. The protest has to be loud, it has to popping. Because it is enough! African Americans have to stand up to the constant injustice.
Protests in New York: But people across America are taking to the streets after George Floyd’s violent death. (Source: AP / dpa)
Racism does not only exist in the USA but also in Germany. They witnessed the anti-Semitic attack in Halle in October 2019.
Racism is also a problem in Germany. But it has a completely different dimension than in the United States. The United States is therefore just breaking up. Germany continues to be a stable country.
Why is that?
Right now, during the global corona crisis, it is becoming even clearer how important Chancellor Angela Merkel is for our country. Merkel has the thickest balls from all politicians in the world. We are leading the way through the pandemic. Everyone envies us, even the first three soccer leagues are running again. We are governed by good, intelligent people. When Merkel had her tremors last year, it was very bad for me to see: it was as if my own grandma had been sick.
Back to the Halle attack: the perpetrator was uniformed and heavily armed. These “outfits” are currently often seen in the USA – in the middle of well-filled streets. What do these people trigger in you?
Fortunately, I was in a café in Halle because I was interviewed. 100 meters further, the perpetrator shot a person in a kebab snack bar. If I hadn’t given the interview, I would have been in this kebab snack bar at the time to get something to eat. These madmen – in Germany as well as in the USA – dress as if they are playing their role in GTA (a popular, violent video game, editor’s note). Dreadful. What kind of world do we live in?
His current club: Today Terrence Boyd played in the third division for Halleschen FC. This season he scored 10 goals in 24 games. (Source: VIADATA / imago images)
You still play football in Halle today. Where do you want to live after your career?
I’ve said all my life that I want to live in the USA later – lots of sun, a cool country. But since I’ve had a wife and two children, it’s been different – mostly because of Donald Trump’s politics. I also stay in Germany after my career. Because here, when you are admitted to the hospital, you are not the first to be asked how you will pay for your stay later, and as a 16-year-old you cannot buy a fully automatic weapon. Germany is the best country in the world for me.
– .
