Marcos Alonso has explained why he'll no longer take a knee before his side's games this season.
The Chelsea defender explained that he believes the anti-racism protest, widely seen before kick-offs at matches, has now lost its impact.
He's played in all seven of the Blues' games so far this campaign and hasn't taken a knee in any.
Advert
Instead, the Spain international is choosing to make his own gesture to fight racial discrimination.
"I am fully against racism and I'm against every type of discrimination, and I just prefer to put my finger to the badge where it says no to racism, like they do in some other sports and football in other countries," Alonso said per Sky Sports.
"I prefer to do it this way and, of course, to say very clearly that I am against racism and I respect everybody."
Advert
Taking a knee has been criticised as a political gesture in the past but Alonso refused to be drawn into that debate.
When asked about the political side, Alonso replied: "I don't know, I just prefer to do it this way. It's my way to do it, I think it's another way.
"And maybe I think it's losing a bit of strength the other way, so I just prefer to do it this way and to show I am fully supportive of fighting against racism."
Alonso was also asked if he'd discussed it with his Chelsea teammates in private.
Advert
Romelu Lukaku faced racist abuse during his time in Italy, while Reece James temporarily deleted his Instagram account earlier this year.
Antonio Rudiger and N'Golo Kante have also suffered from it in the past.
"No, we haven't talked about it," Alonso continued.
"We are in the changing room and we are like a family. I have a very good relationship with everyone, I love everyone and up to now we haven't talked about it.
Advert
"I don't think there is a need to, but, of course, if I have to speak to anyone, I will say the same thing I just told you and I don't think there will be any problems.
"Yeah, for now I prefer to point to the sleeve and that's what I will do."
The 30-year-old's public stance comes after Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha became the first top-flight player to opt out of the gesture.
Advert
"Growing up, my parents just let me know that I should just be proud to be black, no matter what, and I just think we should stand tall," Zaha said at the FT Business of Football conference per the Guardian.
"I think the meaning behind the whole thing is becoming something that we just do now.
"That's not enough. I'm not going to take the knee."
Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports & PA ImagesTopics: Chelsea, Premier League, England