Andre Onana speaks on racism, says he will never walk off the pitch

Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana, who currently plays for Inter Milan in the Italian Serie A, has expressed expressed his belief that while racism undoubtedly affects the football, players must remain strong in the face of it.

There’s been numerous cases of racism across Europe, with Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr. being one of the most recent targets.

“Racism affects football, but for me, it doesn’t affect me because I think we just have to be strong,” Onana stated in an interview with Omasports. “It’s never going to stop. Before I was born, they were talking about it, and if we are still talking about it, then it’s not easy to stop.”

Throwback to when Andre Onana told me he will never walk off the pitch because of racists because that’s what they want. pic.twitter.com/AbFEUBz9DT

— Oma Akatugba (official) (@omaakatugba) July 5, 2023

While highlighting the importance of resilience and not succumbing to the intentions of racists, Onana voiced his disagreement with players leaving the field in response to racist incidents, as it only plays into the hands of those perpetuating hate.

“Players should not go out of the stadium because that’s what the racists want,” the 27-year-old emphasized. “For me, if I have to go out of the stadium, I will go out every two weeks.”

Onana’s defiant stance against racism stems from his pride in his own identity. “Let them talk, nothing will happen. I am black, and I am proud to be black,” he asserted.