Despite all the rumors and gossip (and even banners being towed by airplanes above football matches) this autumn, Cristiano Ronaldo is not returning to Manchester United. one of the greatest footballers in history, and perhaps the greatest player alive today is not leaving Real Madrid to return to Old Trafford. But what Ronaldo wrote today isn’t about club, or league, or even country.
Ronaldo wrote a blog about uniting the football community as human beings, transcending the rivalries of club and country. He urges all of us to combat racism, as the world honors the first anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s death.
Ronaldo also paid tribute to Mandela, who passed away one year ago today, but will be remembered as one of the world’s pre-eminent human rights activists. He also recalled his visit with Mandela, who stood up against apartheid in South Africa and was that nation’s president 1994-1999.
Ronaldo wrote on Sportlobster.com: “I had the pleasure and the privilege to get to know Nelson Mandela in 2010.”
“Madiba will always remain in my heart and his legacy is an inspiration for everyone.
“The Global Watch anti-racism summit in Johannesburg is a Nelson Mandela legacy initiative for a non-racial, peaceful and prosperous world.
“The football community has to say it out loud: racism has no place in our game, in sports or in life.”
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and writes The Sports Bank.net ,which is partners with Fox Sports. Read his feature stories in the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. Listen to him on KOZN 1620 The Zone. Follow him on Twitter (@paulmbanks). His work has been featured in hundreds of media outlets including The Washington Post and ESPN 2