Ghanaian teenager Felix Afena-Gyan says there was no racist intent in a comment overheard when he was gifted a new pair of shoes by his manager Jose Mourinho following his first senior goals for AS Roma.
The Portuguese gaffer had promised to buy the 18-year-old striker a new pair of shoes worth £670 (€800) and he did that on Monday after Afena-Gyan came from the bench to score twice against Genoa in his third Serie A game.
A video of the gifting went viral and there was a voice in the background, from a yet to be unidentified person, who commented ‘there are bananas inside’.
This was seen by many people as a racist comment due to the history of bananas and primates but the Ghanaian kid maintains that he sees nothing wrong with that.
“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.”Afena-Gyan posted 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.” He added.
Afena-Gyan has netted two goals in three Serie A games since his promotion to the senior team last month.
