The importance of players taking a knee before a game is discussed by Odegaard and Mack. There is a time and a place for it. The poster boy for the club's new kit is a man who used to be famous for wearing a shirt from the previous season. There was a Black Lives Matter demonstration in June 2020. He can't believe it's been two years since he was last in a Baltimore hotel with a teammate. Mack said that he was sitting next to Martin and that the fangirl in him was yelling. It's correct. The guy can do a dummy kick and make everyone happy. It is hard to describe. Please don't pinch me. 🗓 Two years ago a photo of Aston Mack went viral. This is his story.From Baltimore to Orlando and beyond, we're sharing the stories of Gooners from across the USA 📖 ❤️ Next up: Aston Mack, activist and Orlando Gooner. pic.twitter.com/pv0GSWicCL
Mack founded the Freedom Fighters after Floyd was killed. Mack wears his shirt to events to support the group's goals.
When I put on my kit, I'm a Gooner and that's all that matters to me.
The club reached out to Mack after establishing contact with him through social media.
Mack says that the issues that we are dealing with are often ignored. The people don't want to see the bad side of our culture.
It's really important for the team to come in and say "Hey this is important, we will shine a light on this, we won't shy away from these issues, this is valuable, this is what we stand for" A lot of people are excited. It makes us hopeful.
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One of the most important moments of Project Restart was the decision by the clubs in the premier league to take a knee before the match.
Some people think the gesture impact waned over time. Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha is one of a few players who decline to participate. Alonso points to the 'No Room For Racism' campaign badges adorning all top-flight shirts because he believes taking a knee is losing strength.
"We know how big the sport is, how big football is and especially for young players growing up to see footballers, to see idols represents something like that, that's a good thing."
It is important that we show good ways and help, especially for me. Young people are watching me and looking up to me. I want to be a good role model for them.
The issue was brought closer to home for those associated with the club after England players were racially abused on social media when they missed penalties in the Euro 2020 final.
In between his loan move to Real Madrid and a permanent deal later in the year, Odegaard was targeted by someone.
It was sad to say the least. The reality is that these things still happen. We need to change that. It is very easy to say stupid things on social media.
It is easy because of social media, but we have to try to change that and hopefully we can do something about it.
He was supported by everyone. I was back in Madrid and I just sent him a text to show my support. Hopefully he got the support he needed because we like him so much here.
The additions of Gabriel Jesus and Marquinhos are likely to make up for the loss of Emile Smith Rowe, who had to carry a lot of expectations last season.
New players help to make the squad a bit bigger. We were a bit short at the end of the season. It will be helpful. Last year was a good one for us. We did not finish where we wanted to, but if you look at the season before, we improved a lot. New signings will help us take another step this year.
A lot of attention has been given to Jesus. Jesus has both the goal record and trophy-winning experience that could change the way the club is run. His success will be dependent on whether he can develop an understanding with Odegaard.
It doesn't take a long time to see that he has a lot of qualities. He will be a good addition to the team. I think we are lucky to have him, I've seen him play many times for Man City. I'm really looking forward to playing with him and linking up.
In training, you can see what he's like. You just have to watch him in training to see what he wants. My goal is to get him to score goals. I would like to do that. I need to know how he wants the ball, where he wants it, and those sorts of things. In training, you can see what it's like and I think it will be okay.
After leaving Baltimore on Sunday evening, they headed to the second stage of their preseason tour of the US. Another season of progress is in the offing.
The top four is important to the company. We want to improve from last season, top four or a trophy, that's where we want to be. It would be great.
Mack said something. The bare minimum is the top four.
The pressure is on now and we have to deliver.
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