Former Milan boss in trouble over controversial comments.
Ex-AC Milan and Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi has found himself in hot water after claiming that there are too many black players in Italian youth football, the Daily Mail reports.
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The 68-year-old is held within high esteem in the game, having been credited as an innovator during the 80s and 90s.
However, he has been out of the game since leaving a Director of Football role at Real Madrid a decade ago.
But his is back in the headlines now following his controversial comments.
“I’m certainly not racist and my history as a coach proves that, starting from [Frank] Rijkaard,” Sacchi said.
“But looking at the Viareggio tournament [a global youth tournament held annually in Tuscany] I feel like saying that there are too many black players, even in the youth teams.
“Italy has no dignity, no pride. It’s not possible that our teams should have 15 foreign players in the squad.”
Sacchi quickly tried to clarify his comments: “I’ve been misinterpreted, you think I’m really racist?
“All I said was I saw a game featuring a team who fielded four coloured players.
“My history speaks for itself, I’ve always coached teams with great players from every colour and I’ve brought in a lot, whether to Milan or Madrid.
“I only wanted to underline that we are losing our national pride and identity.”
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