Players Views

Freddie Kanoute

France

Have you ever come across racism growing up?
Yes, I grew up in Lyon, France and was a little bit of a victim of racism like every other foreigner in France. When it's not directly, it's indirect.

Have you always been a practicing Muslim?
Not always. I started practicing when I was around 20. It's something that helps you in every aspect of your life and football is one of those aspects. Ramadan teaches you to be patient and make an effort. And it prevents you from eating too much and keeps you disciplined. So it helps in life as well.

There's been a growth in Islamaphobia especially after September 11. Is that something you're aware of?
Of course. This is the new phobia. There are a lot of phobias but this is the biggest since September 11. It's very unlucky. The majority of people know it doesn't come from Islam and there are a lot of extremists in every religion and every political party. This is just human, this is not part of the religion. It is a shortcoming from the human soul.

What would you say to a young person who was picking on somebody because of their religion?
To respect the difference as long as someone has chosen a way to live. Islam, Christian or Jewish religion is just a way to live ones life. This is everybody's liberty to the soul, to feel better in every aspect of his life. We should respect that because it allows one person to act and be a better person so I don't understand why we should blame a person who decides to be better.

If somebody was suffering from racism in school what would be your advice to them?
I've been a victim but I would like to chose another term because that's a bit strong. Sometimes it's just between kids who are bullying or having fun on someone. It shoudn't happen but I think the person should take it on his or her part to be stronger. Unfortunately I think it will happen again. We have to work against that but until that we have to be patient, work for it and use it to be stronger.

Do you think it's a weakness that makes the perpetrator do this?
Yes, I think those people have a serious problem. Most of the time, if not always, it comes from a personal problem from the childhood. They could have been beaten up by a parent or suffered himself before so he wants to do it to another person.

Do you have a life message you've learned in your life that you could pass on to young people?
There are so many because when you look at the problems in everyday life there are so many messages to convey to people. I would say one of the central messages of Koran is the respect of everyone and to work together as one community.

Do you have any black figures you identify with?
As a Muslim my role model is the Prophet Mohammed: peace be upon him. After him I can admire a lot of people like Nelson Mandela and even in sport, Muhammed Ali. I admire a lot of people who have started from nothing and done very great in their life and their own discipline.