Thuram refuses Lazio switch over racism
( 2001-06-06 10:04 ) (7 )

France and Parma defender Lilian Thuram told a delegation of Lazio fans here Tuesday he would not consider a transfer to the Roman club because of racism on their terraces.

"They told me that slogans chanted against coloured players were only meant to destablise the opposition," said Thuram after meeting four men representing Lazio fan clubs.

"I told these youngsters that a coloured player, above all one with a family, would think twice before moving to Lazio," added the 29-year-old Guadeloupe-born (West Indies) Thuram who is considered by many as the world's best defender.

After helping France on their way to 1998 World Cup victory with two goals against Croatia in the semi-final, and playing in their victorious Euro 2000 campaign, Thuram, who once almost quit football to become a priest, said he wanted to win domestic titles too and is determined to leave Parma in the close season in a bid to do so.

Another Italian side, Juventus, are favourite to sign the giant former AS Monaco player, but England's Manchester United are also said to be preparing a huge bid.