Theodor Gebre Selassie: I want people to remember me as a player, not as somebody being booed

The Czech Republic defender was reportedly a victim of racist abuse from the crowd during the 4-1 defeat to Russia, and has admitted it saddens him to have to discuss the subject.

The Slovan Liberec defender, who was born to a Czech mother and Ethiopian father, is the first black player to represent the central European nation, and observers in the Wroclaw crowd noted that he was the subject of verbal abuse during the game versus Dick Advocaat’s side.

In his blog for the Czech newspaper Sport, Gebre Selassie said: “It bothers me to answer questions about it, I want people to remember me as a player, not as somebody being booed at.”

The 25-year-old has also commented on the life in Wroclaw and how enjoys being in the busy city rather than out in the countryside as might be the case in other nations such as Spain.

“I’m quite glad that we live in the city center, I think it’s much better than living somewhere in the wilderness,” he added. “At least that way we can go out somewhere, maybe go to the Czech House, where it is pleasant.

“On Sunday there was Petr Cech’s concert, but I missed it. I was in the pool. He told us that it relaxes him, which is a good thing, we all have something – I need to watch movies.”

The Czech Republic face Greece on Tuesday in their second Group A fixture in Wroclaw.

Source: Goal.com