Zlatan Ibrahimovic is sticking to his guns despite coming in for criticism after stating that athletes like LeBron James should steer clear of politics. (More Sports News)
The Milan forward found himself at the centre of controversy after saying the likes of James should "do what you're good at" rather than engage in any kind of activism.
Los Angeles Lakers star James hit back and vowed never to "just stick to sports", insisting he had a role to play as a voice against racism and other pressing societal issues.
James is a friend of바카라 웹사이트former United States president Barack Obama and his own foundation supports a school that is aimed at helping disadvantaged children.바카라 웹사이트
But Ibrahimovic, who has also been criticised for agreeing to appear바카라 웹사이트in the Sanremo music festival amid the Serie A season, refused to back down.
"Racism and politics are two different things. Athletes unite the world, politics divides it," said바카라 웹사이트the 39-year-old, who was injured in Sunday's 2-1 win over Roma and could be sidelined for up to three weeks, which would rule him out of facing former club Manchester United in the Europa League later this month.
"Everyone is welcome in our environment, it doesn't matter where you come from and we are doing everything to bring people together.
"My message? Athletes should be athletes, politicians should be politicians."
Responding to questions바카라 웹사이트over his appearance at the music event,바카라 웹사이트which spans four days, while Milan fight for the title,바카라 웹사이트the Swede바카라 웹사이트added:바카라 웹사이트"I'm a professional and anyone who knows me, knows that. When I play football I'm only focused on that.
"I want to help Milan, and to give a lot to Italy for everything that it has given me over the years, not only in football.
"I had the chance to be a guest at the festival, one of the most important in Italy, and decided to participate."
