Trinidad & Tobago international Dwight Yorke
Sunderland's striker talked to Kick It Out about racism, Trinidad and making the grade.
Tell us about any racism you have expereinced?
"I have onyl experienced it once really, ad that was particularly disappointing because it came from another player. I know that at times people do say things in the heat of the moment and call people names but when it came from a player that did surprise me.
"It did affect me, for the first time something really got to me and I reacted in a strange way. Other than that I think I've been very, very lucky. I've seen it happen with other players, obviously, and I know the FA and FIFA are trying to get it out of football."
How difficult was the transition from Trinidad to the UK?
"When I first came over here the food, the weather, the people, everthing was very different - it was a big change. I think if you're young you get used to it eventually. But it was a difficult transition because I gave up friends and family, and my own identity in a way. Yet in the back of my mind, I knewI could get to the top.
"I was determined because the chances were few and far between for players coming from the Carribean. The first few years were very difficult, but I stuck with it and didn't lose my ambition. My message to people out there is if I can make it with what I've got I think there's heaps of people out there who can do the same, providing they get the opportuntiy and are willing to work hard."
Arthur Wharton was the first black player in this country in the 1880's. Do you look up to people such as him?
"People like him broke the barriers for us to get in. Somewhere along the line someone had to start it and Arthur Wharton was the one. Being the first balck footballer playing in such a prestigious club at that time, I canimagine what he had to go through. People like that have done all the hard work for guys like me who are reaping the benefits now."
There are a few British born Asians in Professional football. What would be your message to Asian children who want to play football?
"There are many Asian players, but whether anyone has spotted their talent that's another question. There must be someone out there who eventually will come through and play regular first team football. They need someone to make a name in the game just like Wharton did for the black community."
