To the microphones of MilanNews.itthe former Rossoneri footballer Rodney Strasser he spoke like this about his present: “I have a foundation called the Rodney Strasser Foundation, our motto is “Stay healthy and save lives” which translated means ‘stay healthy and save human lives’. This is our mission”.
You have embraced an important cause, that of helping your country
“In Sierra Leone, many children lack access to primary healthcare, leading to preventable illnesses and deaths. Our foundation aims to support health initiatives and provide medical resources to these vulnerable youth.”
You recently hit the headlines for making an important contribution to a hospital in Freetown.
“I was born at the PCMH and it is a structure that is particularly close to my heart. Due to the absence of electricity 2-3 children die every night and it is unacceptable. For this reason, as soon as I found out about the situation, I bought a 100% generator KVA plus 325 liters of diesel”.
Are you also involved in education?
“Education is key to unlocking potential, but many schools in Sierra Leone lack basic resources and infrastructure. We are working to support educational initiatives and provide opportunities for young people to succeed.”
You also decided to help children who want to become footballers.
“Football facilities in Sierra Leone are often inadequate, making it difficult for young players to train and develop their skills. We are working to build and renovate football facilities to provide safe and accessible spaces for young people to play and grow. But not only : We also care about mental health among young athletes and their nutrition. We are working to support food security initiatives and provide meals to vulnerable youth and families.”
You grew up in Kallon FC, will we see a Strasser FC?
“It could be, yes. Here only 2% have the chance to emerge. There are no fields, there are no basic things, shoes, clothes. Nothing. Something needs to be done. We believe that football can be a powerful tool for social change in Sierra Leone, promoting unity, discipline and teamwork.”
Do you always follow Milan?
“Always. A few days ago I was in Bangkok with FIFA legends, I met Seedorf, Dida, Cafu, Roque Junior, Senderos, Shevchenko. We talked a bit about Milan.”
This year he finished in second place
“The team I saw this year is a bit so-so. As I see it, they could have done better than second place. And then it’s not acceptable to lose six derbies in a row, having the cup raised in your face by Inter is It also bothered me to see certain derbies lost badly.”
What memories do you have of your experience with the Rossoneri?
“I certainly played little, but if you look at the squad that was there at the time, how did you manage to play? Crazy midfield: Pirlo, Gattuso, Seedorf, Van Bommel, Boateng, Flamini, Ambrosini. Now it’s different, I see you even get to the national team with exaggerated ease. I’ll tell you, in this Milan with this squad I would play without problems. Maybe not 100% of the matches but certainly more than then.”
The fans still remember you fondly
“When they see me they always first of all remind me of the goal against Cagliari, which was important for winning the scudetto. And this gives me enormous pleasure because there were many who wore the glorious Milan shirt and the fact that it is remembered for something important it’s beautiful.”
What is your career assessment?
“First of all I say thank you to God because in my country I am also the only one who won the derby, the first player who represented the FIFA legends of my country as well as the only player from Sierra Leone who won one of the main 5 European championships. Of course, I’m left wondering how my career could have developed if I hadn’t been injured. But if I look back and see what I got from football then I say: And thanks to football I’m helping a lot of people I am still recognized today as a Milan player.”
