19/02/2025
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today, I stand before you as a passionate advocate for the welfare and well-being of athletes. My drive stems from personal experiences, and I want to share those with you.
I know what it's like to train on an empty stomach, to walk long distances just to play the game I love. I know the feeling of being paid peanuts, of being banned by FIFA, and of sleeping in a jail cell for wrongdoing in football.
I've sat across from Mafias, threatened and intimidated, told that my family would be harmed if I didn't comply with their demands. I've struggled to make ends meet, unable to afford even a loaf of bread after losing my income.
And I've seen my face in the newspaper, splashed across the headlines for all the wrong reasons. I've felt the weight of shame, the sting of criticism, and the pain of regret.
But I've learned from those experiences. And I've come to realize that my mistakes, my struggles, and my hardships can serve as a catalyst for change.
When you see me advocating aggressively for the integrity of sport, please understand that it's not just about me. It's about the athletes who come after me, who deserve better, who deserve protection, and who deserve a fair chance to succeed.
Let's believe in sport and its core values of honesty, accountability, ethics, and transparency. Let's work together to create a better future for athletes, one that is free from exploitation, corruption, and abuse.
My mistakes will not be repeated. Not on my watch. Not if I have anything to say about it.
So help me God!
Thank you.
