De Laurentiis: Africans go after Napoli president for ‘racist’ comments
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has left fans enraged after he disclosed his intention to stop signing African players because of their participation at the Africa Cup of Nations.
De Laurentiis, on Wednesday, said that he will never buy African players again unless they sign a clause in their contract not to go to AFCON.
Former Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly responded to defend Africans representing their countries whenever they are summoned, and fans have taken to social media to express to condemn the statement made by the Italian film producer which they described as ‘racist’.
Napoli have two Africans – Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Cameroon’s Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa – on their payroll.
Aurelio de Laurentiis made a very racist statement against the whole of Africa, and I’m not surprised there are Africans coming out to defend him. I’m really not surprised.
— Nejeeb Bello Oyarese (@NejeebBello) August 4, 2022
De Laurentiis is a racist
Pure and simple and anyone who thinks otherwise is wrong— Usmanovic🖤 (@usmanovic2000) August 3, 2022
@olywal @lasgidisports evening to u guys, concerning de Laurentiis comment, it’s disrespectful to the African continent,well that’s his oppion not the city of Napoli thought and the world just like koulibaly says. He should show some respect. Forza milan
— #IStandForPeace🕊️#StopTheWar❤️🖤🇳🇬 (@poyetimmy) August 3, 2022
Aurelio De Laurentiis should quit smoking, its damaging his brain.
— Gyozen (@lord_OboteAyo) August 3, 2022
Can’t believe a club owner and president said such rubbish .. Aurelio De Laurentiis should be ashamed of himself …
— Tobi (@tobiogunb) August 3, 2022
Aurelio de Laurentiis made a very racist statement against the whole of Africa, and I’m not surprised there are Africans coming out to defend him. I’m really not surprised.
— Nejeeb Bello Oyarese (@NejeebBello) August 4, 2022
De Laurentiis’ comment on Napoli not signing African players isn’t racism but xenophobic. He has same issues with South Americans too, he doesn’t want to be paying players for representing their national teams but can’t do it because of FIFA rules. Big discrimination! https://t.co/yorgaxMWey
— Ọlámidé O. Àbe (@MrJoyoung) August 3, 2022
Kalidou Koulibaly on Aurelio De Laurentiis’ #AFCON comments: “You cannot speak about an African national team like this. You have to have respect like you have for a European team.”
— Mayor of Lagos…. (@MayowaOlubunmi) August 3, 2022
Any problem with Napoli President Aurelio de Laurentiis on not wanting African players again because of the AFCON? I DON’T. It is time Africa mature enough to have the AFCON staged in the summer with the right level of technology & infrastructure to cope. #Osimhen #RufaiBRTlane
— Adeyinka Oyedele (@Yinkasports) August 3, 2022
Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has always been a racist. He said he wouldn’t sign any more African players unless they agree not take part in the Africa Cup of Nations. Can you tell any European player not to take part in Euros?
Osimhen you better do the needful pic.twitter.com/UmEmssRt3I
— Ewatomi of Ibadan (@adeyanjuCruise) August 3, 2022
