Daniel Sturridge has discussed his experiences of racism throughout his life, both as a youngster and a professional footballer.
Sturridge was at an event with schoolchildren held at Anfield in support of the charity Show Racism the Red Card.
The 26-year-old striker admits that he has suffered from racism during his life, and pleaded for it to be eradicated.
“I have suffered from racism at times in the past and it’s not a nice feeling,” he said.
“It’s not something I’d ever want anyone to experience. And nobody should ever have to experience it. It’s damaging both for those who say those things and those who are on the receiving end.
“It’s happened to me a couple of times on the football pitch. It happened in Greece and also in Montenegro. I also experienced it in the streets growing up in Birmingham.
“It’s one of those situations I had to deal with but it’s not okay.
“The world would be a better place – both happier and more peaceful – if we got rid of it and everyone was together as one.”
“Any form of racism can be stamped out by togetherness and by education.
“At a young age you might hear something from someone else and repeat it, not realising the real meaning and how hurtful it is.
“It’s damaging to everyone that someone has experienced that. But together we can stamp this out.”
Show Racism the Red Card was formed back in 2006, and uses the power of football to spread the word about racist issues.
Getting footballers of Sturridge’s stature to discuss it to both children and adults can only be beneficial moving forward.
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