Monday, September 04, 2006

Domenech blast Mourinho for slavery

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France coach Raymond Domenech has attacked Chelsea's Jose Mourinho over his description of Claude Makelele as a 'slave'.
Mourinho made his comments in an angry TV outburst last week.

He claimed Makelele, 33, was being forced to play for France despite quitting international football after the World Cup.
And on French TV yesterday Domenech said: "To use that term is staggering. There are people who died to free themselves of slavery. To use this term is insulting."
Domenech insists on still picking Makelele and added: "I did not give Makelele an option. I imposed his return."
Les Bleus defender Lilian Thuram has also slammed Mourinho.
Thuram said: "If Mourinho can use a word like this, it means he doesn't know what he is talking about. He doesn't know what slavery is.
"He didn't say it because he is stupid but because he doesn't know the meaning of this word.
"This has nothing to do with soccer. He made his comments to be offensive.
"I don't see how Claude's situation can be compared to a slave."
Makelele played for France in a 3-0 win over Georgia on Saturday.
France and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry said: "I know he's happy to be here."