Roma youngster Felix Afena-Gyan has clarified he was ‘not offended’ by the background comment in the video with Jose Mourinho. ‘I truly believe there was no racist intent’.
A background voice appeared when Afena-Gyang was unboxing the shoes he received from coach Mourinho on Monday, as the Portuguese promised him after the 2-0 win over Genoa.
But a comment in the background joked there ‘are bananas inside’ the present when Felix was opening the box containing his new ‘expensive shoes’.
The comment has sparked controversy, but Felix has now clarified he ‘truly believes there was no racist intent’ behind the background comment.
“I want to assure you all that I was not offended by the background comment made in the video in any way – and that I truly believe there was no racist intent,” Felix wrote on Instagram.
“Since the first day I arrived at the club, I have been welcomed into the family by everyone, who have joked with me like they do all members of the family.
“Because they see that I eat bananas a lot that has become a thing we laugh about sometimes – and I believe the comment was another example of that.
“I feel at home here at Roma and I have done ever since I arrived. I am grateful for the support I have received from everyone here at Trigoria and don’t like to think that people have got the wrong idea about things.
“Thanks for your concern, now let’s get back to concentrating on the next game. Grazie and Forza Roma.”
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Well said Felix!! I love how people just jump to conclusions without knowing exactly everything before passing judgement, but the media are always desperate for a headline!!!
Mature kid. A lot of promise. I’ll watch with wonder and support.
Felix, you need to remain focuss and not be distracted by any story good or bad. You have become the man everybody wants to see.. Only good performance is needed from you.
Good Luck Felix !
What a mature young man. Shows how much he learned from his surroundings, understanding everything rationally, choosing to be his own captain of his destiny, and believing in his own hard work. A tip of a hat to you, Mr. Felix. Becoming a star player is great, but what’s much greater is to become a great man.
So many stupid comments here. Glad it turned out not to be racist but also glad it was called out. Racism was wrong way before BLM and its still wrong now. Sadly italy is still trying to kick fascism out after all these years.
Grande Felix – where they go low you go high.
Forza Juve – no, no stupid comments. What you need to called out, a joke? There’s obviously NOTHING going on here, while racism is real thing, in this context, there is none, zero, nothing to do with racism. Wrap your racism and go somewhere else, leave this boy alone.
Nobody went low.