Francesco Acerbi insists he is not racist and that ‘racism is a serious thing’ but feared his career would have been over if he was found guilty.

The Inter and Italy defender has released the first interview since his acquittal in a racism case.

Napoli defender Juan Jesus had accused Acerbi of using racist remarks against him during the latest Serie A meeting between Inter and Napoli at San Siro.

The Nerazzurri star would have been banned for ten games if found guilty.

“It was a relief even if the whole situation saddened me for how it ended on the pitch and how everyone spoke about it knowing nothing. I perceived aggression as if I had killed somebody,” Acerbi told Il Corriere della Sera.

“There was no racism on the pitch. I am not racist; my idol was George Weah, and when I was diagnosed with cancer, I received a surprising call from him, which still makes me emotional.

“A person is being humiliated, and his family is being threatened. For what reason? For something that ended on the pitch and about which racism has nothing to do. Racism is a serious thing, not an alleged insult,” he continued.

Nevertheless, Acerbi confirmed that players on the pitch are not always too polite when talking to each other.

“It should not happen, but you can hear anything even if there are 40 cameras,” he said.

“If the referee has to note down everything he hears, he’d need to run with a backpack. But it always ends there. Otherwise, even insults to Serbs, Italians, and mothers should be punishable offences.”

Did he fear his career could be over if he were found guilty?

“If you are banned for 10 games for racism, what do you do?” He replied.

“Anything could have happened. It would have been the end for me as a footballer, but mainly as a man. Everyone had already given their verdict before it came out. For many, I am still racist, and honestly, I don’t accept it, and I want to clarify that I don’t want to downplay it.”

Why didn’t he give his version earlier?

“I had trust in the law, and I didn’t want to fuel controversy, but now there’s a ruling, and I want to have my say,” the defender replied.

“I have nothing against Juan Jesus, and I am sorry for him, too, but you can’t accuse a person of being a racist for a misunderstanding in the game’s agitation. They can’t continue doing so even after the ruling.

“We have all lost. I am sad and upset. After my acquittal, people around me reacted as I was released from jail after ten years.

“The illness I faced was nothing compared to this story. On the contrary, the atrocious fury against me did hurt me. If we get the second star, I’ll be there keeping my head high.”

Acerbi was excluded from Italy’s national team following allegations, even though the FIGC and President Gabriele Gravina always trusted the Inter defender and believed what he said.

“I expect nothing. I don’t want to say anything about the national team for now,” said Acerbi.

“I must discuss this with Spalletti first. I am tired, but this story ends today, and I no longer want to discuss it.”

Inter’s next Serie A game is against Empoli at San Siro on Monday, April 1, and Acerbi will be available for the Nerazzurri.

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