Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy believes football's profile is a strong weapon in the fight against racism.
Since the Premier League resumed last week, players have taken the knee after kick-off in games in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
France international Mendy, 25, grew up in an inclusive culture and hopes the powerful messages football has the capacity to send can make a big impact in wider society.
Mendy said: 'It is difficult because I grew up in Paris and we all go to school, to the Academy with white people, mixed race people, Asian people, black people. The way I lived with them we are all the same, all a family.
'When I see that around the world, I think in football we have the facility to send a big message and can change a lot of things.
'We can find a solution, but I think we need to be all together and send a big message because what happens is not normal and is from nothing. Every person going to work or every person going to school, we are all the same.'
Mendy joined City in 2017 but his first two seasons at the club were ravaged by injury, including two serious knee problems which required surgery.
He is still to reproduce the dynamic form of his early career at Monaco on a regular basis but the recent lockdown gave him chance to work on his fitness. He now feels in fine shape and is determined to make his mark at the Etihad Stadium.
Mendy said: 'This is my time. All the time I lost was not the same because I was injured.
'The way Manchester City, the staff, the players were behind me, helped me, pushed me, I want to give them the real Mendy back.
'Inside, I know the way I work. It was hard when I was in the hospital, the recovery. People don't see all of that. It is not easy.
'Even in the first game you are back you are expected to be at the top because people watch the game for that. They don't have time to say he was injured.
'They want a good performance and I understand that and it gives me more motivation to work hard. I think now I am in one my best periods at Manchester City.'
zunadnoprs
1
kuul
zunadnoprs
0
zunadnoprs
2
Bra
miwbeikory
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lit up
paybckmr
0
the man died bcoz he got sick not bcoz of police arrest...
lukzlat910
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Why do you just choose to lie and do this,Why?,I myself am a black person living in NIGERIA in AFRICA,So why would i be racist when i am black myself,Why would you even think of a lie like this ? ,Just to draw attention to yourself or what?,All those other people you mention are the most good and respectful you can ever find in this platform,So why Would they do that,So stop going around spreading lies and stupidity,Please stop this.
Ignore these haters bro....arguing with them will only justify a ban for you, it's not like @Afy will listen to him anyway
lukzlat910
2
I'm in keep it up brother. together we will make the world a peaceful place💪👏👏
This is all fake bruh, don't listen to him, these users are my friends and completely innocent, they'd never make any racist remarks
Zowikoru
2
manu are praying for Chelsea to loose
Moncmoptu
2
l love Mendy, but he allowed City to drop points in one of the matches this season when he was wasting too much time at the corner instead of clearing out the ball. Kunle Akala
evrhaman
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today it is the time
AFTEAM
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I guess this is what some key player rest mean pep guadriola
Necbceioz
3
afy is deleting those comments that's why u are not able to see them if u were me then you would also do the same
Pibmoptz
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I do know the feeling bro.But trust me they are not racist,I know most if them and all are kind-hearted person.I have never seen them involving in this cheap activities.
afy is deleting those comments that's why u are not able to see them if u were me then you would also do the same
bumcdmno
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default settings:1.all black people are not racist 2.all others are racist 3.U are racist when u say all lives matter 4.Black people are gods
Oh boy.. so racism has often been used alongside societal and institutionalizations. This referring to structures that disadvantage people of subordination because of the collective effects of bigoted attitudes. To make it simple, your first point becomes valid as black people as a collective group are in that subordinated class which makes them not racist. Your other point on all lives matter completely throws what the blm movement is fighting for (equality of black people). It has nothing to do with disrespecting white people, brown people or even green people.. also black people are gods.. I mean they were created in his image. Am I right?
Iamshadow
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u don't know how we blacks are hurt
I do know the feeling bro.But trust me they are not racist,I know most if them and all are kind-hearted person.I have never seen them involving in this cheap activities.
zeacnorz
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no they are not promoting Racism you fool😠
u don't know how we blacks are hurt
duzcelostz
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racism must die
nihalhgowda
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default settings:1.all black people are not racist 2.all others are racist 3.U are racist when u say all lives matter 4.Black people are gods
Vezonic22
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A strong fight against Racism and will continue, although Racism won't so quickly be erased. Never giving up!