Mexico : Allan Saint-Maximin’s short spell at Club America ended abruptly on Saturday, just months after the French winger joined the Liga MX side, with the club announcing his departure days after he said his children had been targeted by racist abuse.
The 28-year-old former Newcastle United player signed a two-year deal with the Mexican club in August in a transfer reportedly worth $10 million, but made only 15 appearances before his exit.
In a statement confirming his departure, Club America expressed solidarity with Saint-Maximin, while neither party disclosed details of the incident that led to the decision.
“We reiterate our strong condemnation of any act of discrimination and/or violence that violates human dignity, both on and off the field,” the club said. “We express our absolute solidarity with Allan Saint-Maximin and his family, who have the support of everyone who is part of this institution.”
Saint-Maximin had earlier posted on Instagram about what he described as racist attacks directed at his children, saying protecting his family was his priority.
“The problem is not skin colour, it is the colour of thoughts,” he wrote. “People attack me, but that’s not a problem… But there is one thing I will never tolerate, and that is people attacking my children.”
America coach Andre Jardine described the player’s departure as a major loss.
“It’s a real shame,” Jardine said. “He’s a great player who was doing well for the league and has the ability to play in any league in the world. It was a big change for him, moving from Europe to Mexico.”
