The on-loan midfielder has revealed that his confrontations on the field with the Argentine often proved unpleasant as he was made victim of racist slander.
Everton’s Drenthe has voiced his opinion regarding Barcelona’s http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lionel-Messi-c22296, claiming that the Blaugrana number 10 called him ‘negro’ on several occasions. He added that he almost got used to the forward calling him that, whenever the two men faced each
other on the field.
The Dutchman stressed that it is sheer disappointment to see one of the best players around to resort to such language on the pitch. He went on emphasizing that Messi’s tone and behaviour were a cause of botheration for the on-loan player.
The player, who also represented Spanish La Liga outfit Hercules, suggested that it may be considered appropriate to call people with the title of ‘negro’ in South America but it is not the case in Europe as such language is understood to be offensive.
This is probably the first time that a player has complained about the attitude of the Ballon d’Or winner as he has usually evaded all negative attention.
The Argentine skipper is usually known for his humble attitude towards others and it is widely believed that the player carries no feelings of hate or animosity for his opponents, an attribute that football purists have appreciated from time to time.
However, Drenthe’s claims come in strict opposition to contrary belief and his revelations may be received with shock by fans of the Barca number 10.
While talking to reporters, the 25-year-old was quoted as saying:
"We played against each other a lot, and we always had problems. You know what really bothers me? That tone with which he always called me 'negro, negro’. I understand that it is very common in South http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mahamadou-Diarra-c23077, my
team-mate at Real, would become furious when http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gabriel-Heinze-c14310 and Gonzalo Higuain initially called him 'negro'.
"When I played against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 with Hercules, I had the same problems with Messi again. Before the match, he gave me a hand and said, 'Hola negro'. He didn't shake my hand again after the match.”
Racism in football is growing to be a huge issue all around the globe, as the beautiful sport seems to develop in terms of competition and entertainment. It is just sad to see that such problems still exist.
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