Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has described the Africa Cup of Nations as important as the European Championship.
The AFCON has come under heavy criticism especially from European clubs due to its timing and also rhe fear of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron.
Some clubs have lamented the absence of their African players, who have been called up by their countries for the tournament which will begin on January 9th.
Also Read: Balogun Set For Rangers Return After Injury-Induced Layoff
Palace will lose three players as Wilfried Zaha, Cheikhou Kouyate and Jordan Ayew have all been listed for Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and Ghana respectively.
Despite the absence of three of his players, Senegalese-born former France international said he will never stop any player from taking part in the tournament.
“I respect and I understand the passion and importance of those players to go and represent their country,” Vieira said on Palace’s official website.
“I will never stop any players going to the Africa Cup of Nations. I believe that competition has to be more respected because this competition is as important as the European Championship.
“With Senegal, I don’t think people understand [Sadio] Mane or Cheikhou Kouyate not representing their nation. If there was more coverage people will understand how important it is for the African continent.”
Copyright © 2024 Completesports.com All rights reserved. The information contained in Completesports.com may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the prior written authority of Completesports.com.
COMMENTS
This is coming from a black man of course. European teams will be preaching say no to racism but their actions say otherwise
GOD BLESS YOU MR VIERA
Africa will only start getting respected when we have leaders like these; Patrick Viera, Samuel Eto, Adebayo etc. Has anyone noticed that it is the French speaking African legends, that have been very vocal against the intended slavery/disrespect by the West on African Football.
All through my dealings with Africans, I have come to notice that while most French Speaking Africans, pride themselves majorly on the African thing, we from the English speaking countries pride ourselves on Western/foreign culture, with a feel of being superior to those who haven’t had the opportunity to come close to anything western while same time,happy to carry on playing second fiddle to those originally born of Western culture. FOR THIS REASON, I WANT TO DUFF MY HAT FOR PEOPLE LIKE SAMUEL ETO, EMMANUEL ADEBAYO, AND PATRICK VIERA. YOU GUYS REMAIN TRUE AFRICAN LEGENDS.
Pinnick is hiding behind the scene because of lack of clear insight he can’t rep Nigeria in the light of all the loose Bully attitude. No wonder he can’t vie for CAF!!!
The German tactician would have been allowed round up world cup qualifying and afcon.Those that wanted to be on his playing list,as he does not know kickback will be picked.Nigeria will surely slide down under this interim couch.
continue licking white man’s ass. shaking my head.
Gbayii viera,pls ring this message to that big mouth klopp.