Former player Julio Baptista, 44, told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport that there are fewer opportunities for black football coaches.
The Brazilian, who played for teams like São Paulo, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Sevilla and Roma, now wants to be a coach.
“I would like to coach, but we, black people, are penalized. How many black coaches do you see in the five main leagues?”, he asked, referring to the championships in England, Spain, Italy, Germany and France.
“I want to think it’s a coincidence, but unfortunately, I don’t think so. There are fewer opportunities. I hope I’m the one who turns it around,” said the former athlete.
Julio was already part of the coaching staff for the youth teams at Valladollid, in Spain, when Ronaldo was a shareholder in the club. Not long ago, he turned down an offer to coach Real Madrid’s under-19 team, aiming for professional football.
