Germany national team midfielder Leon Goretzka said Donald Trump’s actions have him feel «not only German but also European.»
Trump drew widespread condemnation across Europe with his recent insistence that the United States must own Greenland, a self-governing territory that is part of Denmark.
Advertisement
The U.S. president even threatened the possibility of military action, which could have triggered a larger conflict due to Denmark’s membership in North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Trump announced last week that he had reached the «framework of a future deal» with NATO, dropping a threat to impose punitive tariffs on Europe for the time being.
Amid Trump’s threats, talk of a World Cup boycott has been growing across Europe in recent weeks.
Goretzka is fully expecting the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada to go forward this summer, but he is fully aware of the larger context in which it will take place.
Advertisement
The Bayern Munich midfielder told Die Zeit: «Of course, I’m aware of the political debates. I still expect it to be a great tournament – it will promote football there, and show many people want an incredibly exciting game. Donald Trump makes us feel not only German but also European.»
Goretzka has been outspoken in the past, criticizing FIFA’s choice to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar among other comments.
In a ZDF documentary ahead of the last World Cup, Goretzka said he would have «preferred to compete in a World Cup at the height of my career in a different country. The fact that the human rights situation in a country wasn’t part of the bidding criteria was a big mistake, and it makes us angry.»
The midfielder said that being outspoken is risky for any sportsperson, and the response will often depend on whether they perform on the field.
Advertisement
«When you speak out as a sportsperson you take a risk,» he said. «You have to be winning, otherwise these commitments count against you, are deliberately misunderstood or misquoted.»
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Germany’s Leon Goretzka weighs in on Trump’s Greenland threats
