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Juventus and the United States men’s national team star Weston McKennie says he feels he plays for a country that doesn’t accept him because of the color of his skin.
The midfielder has been an outspoken voice for racial equality since early 2020, speaking multiple times following the death of George Floyd.
McKennie donned a “Justice for George” bracelet while playing for former club Schalke and later said he saw it as his “responsibility and duty” to speak up.
The 22-year-old midfielder also took aim at President Donald Trump, saying he believes the Commander-in-Chief is both “racist” and “ignorant.”
And, in an adidas ad posted Monday, McKennie spoke once again about his feelings about race in America, saying he wants his legacy to be more than what he did on a soccer field.
“This year at the beginning of the season, we played and the fans after the game were making monkey noises at me,” McKennie said. “It is devastating.
“I came home to Dallas and I’m scared to drive at night just because I don’t know what will happen if I get pulled over. I’m representing a country that may not even accept me just because of the color of my skin.
“It’s definitely a bit heartbreaking. When I wore the bracelet, I felt like it was a duty and a responsibility: one being American and two being African American. I just felt the need to raise awareness abroad. I got a lot of support from I also hate that.
With you, @WMckennie, we’re #ReadyforChange! 💪@adidasfootball pic.twitter.com/6gbkHYlVzG
– JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) October 12, 2020
“‘You’re a soccer player, you shouldn’t be making political statements,’ and I’m just thinking in my head: ‘I don’t see how this is a political statement at all.’
“One person lost his life, I’m not going to shut up and haggle. I’m not going to make my opinions small just because people think I should play soccer.
“I don’t want to be known just as a great footballer. I want to be known as a great human being, as a great person and that’s what I’m starting to try to do, create my legacy. This version of me that I love.”
McKennie completed a trade to Juventus this summer, joining the Italian giants in a one-year loan deal with a purchase option of € 18.5 million (£ 16.5 million / $ 22 million) plus up to € 7 million in bonuses if certain performance-related clauses are met. .
The midfielder had already made two appearances for the club this season before this weekend’s game with Crotone.
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