Seedorf Bemoans Lack Of Opportunities For Black Coaches

Seedorf retired from football in January 2014 and headed straight to the dug out after being appointed by his former club AC Milan as their new manager.

However, despite a decent start in his new role which saw him earn the fourth-most points in Serie A during his time in charge, Seedorf lasted less than four months before being dismissed.

The 46-year-old has since taken charge of Shenzhen FC in China and Deportivo La Coruna but has been without a club since being sacked as manager of the Cameroon national team in July 2019.

"I wondered why I have not had other opportunities in Italy, I have two children born here," he said at the Turin Sports Festival, according to Pianeta Milan.

"I don't think it's a racist country, I've always supported this and I think I understand how it is. There are racists, but [the country] isn't.

"If one looks at what happened, there is little basis to understand that those who arrived [as head coach] after me at Milan immediately found a team [after then leaving Milan], and I didn't even have one proposal. After 20 years in Italy... or they told me they didn't want to offend me with a proposal.

"Send me a proposal, then I decide whether to be offended or not. It's not only in Italy, there are few black coaches anywhere.

"I got my first serious proposal in China, I took it because I like to travel and I make every project an important thing.

"However, it is disappointing to see that after the experience at Milan, in which you do well, you do not receive a call.

"Football reflects society. I make it a life mission to create equality and inclusion. It should be the strength of the company.

"The world is now connected, there is no longer any way to keep people out. You are next to someone who does not resemble you, but who is more of your country than yourself, knows more... It was a difficult moment, I was aware of it, but I didn't think it would happen with me."

Seedorf holds the enviable record as the only player to win the UEFA Champions League with three different clubs.