Players Views

Stefan Freund

Germany

Have you ever experienced any racism as a player?
Not really, but recently with the incidents that have happened to Thierry Henry and Arsenal in Europe, I cannot believe that this is still a part of the world. We are humans and I don't think racism should be possible now in the world. We live together, we have to respect each other -- I have respect for everyone. For me, racism isn't a part of my world, and that's why I can't believe that it is still there.

Have you noticed any difference between England and Germany in terms of racism?
It's not a part of my world, but it is still a part of the world sometimes, and sometimes a part of the game. I think if it's happened, then tell everyone -- that guy has said something -- then it's good to bring it out in the newspapers or on TV. To remember that it is wrong is always good because if you are black or white, it doesn't matter -- we live together. I think London is a wonderful example. Everyone lives together here, and everyone has respect. If you're Jewish or Chinese or black or white, it doesn't matter, and I think that's good.

What advice could you give to someone whose friends are being racist?
We have to remember the time of 1939-1945 (world war II), and as a German I can tell you that it was one of the worst time for the Germans. Remember that. And then accept that everyone is a person and have respect, it doesn't matter what colour. I think you'll live much better with that, and you can enjoy your life much better.

Pull out quote:
"We are humans and I don't think racism should be possible now in the world. We live together, we have to respect each other - I have respect for everyone."