Serie A: Onana, from Ajax, says that an Italian team did not sign him for being black: “They said it would bring problems with their fans” | Serie A 2019

Cameroon goalkeeper Ajax Amsterdam, Andr Onana, says that an Italian team took an interest in him three years ago, after playing the Europa League final against Manchester United, but the signing stopped at the last moment due to the color of your skin.

The Cameroon, who does not make public what team it is, explained that “the conversations were going well“until his representative received a call from the CEO, as reported in an interview with the NCR generalist newspaper, based in Amsterdam, and published this Saturday a report on racism in football.

“He said: 'We believe that Onana is a great goalkeeper, but unfortunately we cannot hire him. A black goalkeeper will bring us many problems in front of our followers'”, the soccer player said.

“Of course the statement hurt me, but to be honest I was also glad I said it. It would have been worse if they had thought I was too bad for them,” adds Onana.

The events happened after the season 2016/17, Onana's first as Ajax goalkeeper, and his good performances were key for the Amsterdam team to reach the Europa League final against the Manchester United, who took the English 2-0.

The goalkeeper unveiled the incident in a report by the Dutch newspaper about racism in football. “I can't change who I am. Why should I worry? I'm black and african, I'm proud of it. If someone doesn't like me because I'm black, there's no problem. I don't even care, “he said.

Onana was the subject of racist proclamations last December in the field of Telstar, in an Eredivisie match.

“The CEO (Marc Overmars) asked me if I wanted to present a complaint. A complaint for this? Then you will have to put half of the Low Countries in the jail, “said the footballer.

The Dutch football federation announced in early February a series of measures to tackle racism in the stands. The veto of attendance at the stadiums of the fans who sing insulting numbers will be increased from five to ten years, surveillance systems will be improved and clubs that do not do enough will run the risk of losing points.