Lavezzi apologizes for rude photo
Print Edition
HEBEI China Fortune’s Ezequiel Lavezzi has apologized for his “improper gesture” after drawing flak for an offensive photo that was leaked online last week.
In a studio photo Lavezzi took in Spain for his club before the start of this year’s Chinese Super League, the Argentinean pulls back his eyes with his fingers to look more Asian, in a gesture widely seen as offensive and racist by Chinese fans.
Both Lavezzi and Hebei issued statements late on Sunday evening, apologizing for the negative impact caused by the photo.
“We were given instructions by the official photographer and I was trying to make some interesting photos by making some funny faces, which would be used afterwards for entertainment purposes,” Lavezzi said in the statement. “I did not do it with any bad intention and did not mean to insult the Chinese people.
“I cherish the chance to play football here, and I am having a happy time with my teammates. — I deeply apologize if the photo has offended the Chinese people and fans. I will be more careful in the future.”
The former Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain player joined the CSL side last year on a two-year deal. He made just 10 appearances for Hebei last season due to injury. The 32-year-old has been in impressive form recently, however, contributing three goals and five assists in the past three matches.
“Since joining us at the beginning of 2016, Lavezzi has been getting along very well with the team and been loved by fans, too,” said Hebei, which also denied the pictures had been officially released by the club.
“He has expressed his love for China many times, too. Now we have communicated with him and have clarified he had no bad intentions and he deeply apologized for any offense caused.
“As a club we apologize for our neglect in our work. We will be more careful in the future.”
According to Football Leaks, the club is paying Lavezzi US$56.7 million for his two-year service, the highest in the world. With former Real Madrid and Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini as the head coach, Hebei China Fortune is currently fourth in the CSL standing.
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