France international Allan Saint-Maximin has disclosed that racist abuse directed at his children while they were attending school in Mexico contributed to his decision to leave Club América.
The 29-year-old winger, who now plays for Charlotte FC, said he could not remain silent when discrimination affected his family. He explained that speaking out was more important to him than protecting his career.
“Whatever your colour is, you don’t have to accept this,” Saint-Maximin told BBC Sport on Friday.
The former Newcastle United player had previously addressed the issue publicly in an Instagram post in January, declaring that “hatred and discrimination have no place in our society.” The post attracted more than 159,000 likes and drew messages of support from his former Newcastle teammates Kieran Trippier and Joelinton.
Although Saint-Maximin declined to disclose exactly what happened, he said his children experienced racist incidents at their school while he was playing for Club América.
“I explained to the kids what happened was not normal and they knew already,” he said. “They were not really happy about that.”
READ ALSO:Lionel Messi Retires From International Football
The situation was especially painful because his children were involved. However, Saint-Maximin acknowledged that discrimination is not limited to Mexico and can occur anywhere, including his native France.
“I was a bit sad about my son, but in every place there is these type of things, even in France, the country where I am from,” he said. “As I said to them, it’s something they don’t have to accept.”
Club América backed the winger and his family following the incident, while his teammates also demonstrated their support by displaying a “No to racism” banner before their match against Necaxa.
Saint-Maximin made it clear that his departure was not intended as an attack on the Mexican club or the country.
“It was not the fault of Club América,” he said. “I have nothing against them, the players or the Mexican people. I love the club. It was one of the best places I’ve been with my family.”
Despite his affection for the club, the father of four said protecting his children left him with little alternative.
“When this affects your kids there are not many choices to take. It was a difficult choice for me and my family, but I take my responsibility because I always say I will never accept stuff like this,” he said.
Saint-Maximin later moved to Lens on a short-term contract, helping the French side secure the French Cup for the first time in its 120-year history and finish second in Ligue 1.
After attracting several offers during the summer, he eventually opted to continue his career in Major League Soccer with Charlotte FC, describing the move as one driven largely by his family.
“My family have always followed me to every single place. So this time was more of a family choice,” he said.
At Charlotte, Saint-Maximin has reunited with former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith and is aiming to make a lasting impact while helping his teammates develop.
The winger also remains committed to the entertaining and creative approach that has defined his game.
“To see some robot play doesn’t make sense to me,” he said.