The striker was in Kenya in 2004 when his footballing talent was discovered and nurtured at the Kibra slum-based Ligi Ndogo academy. He would later rise to play for top European clubs including Manchester City and Burnley
Despite becoming a professional player, the 27-year old whose father had worked as a teacher in Kenya, has never forgotten Kenya. He is always proud of talking about the East Africa nation and attributing his success to Ligi Ndogo.
On Monday, he was quoted saying that while he was in Kenya, and at a tender age, they-as a family, used to go without food and walk naked in Nairobi.
“I went to Kenya when I was 3 years old, due to my father’s job who was a school teacher. There was no food, no clothing, but every day we were laughing and enjoying our time. They are very grateful for the little things they have. I love these people,” he said.
Soon as this comment was posted online, angry netizens, most of whom are Kenyans pounced on him with rage.
He didn’t take the picture when he was 3 years old
— Balogun Hammed Olanrewaju (@B_H_O29) September 16, 2019
Really??.In Kenya people walk naked and use sunlight to manufacture food in their bodies like plants.Good to know. Classic Western narrative…😏😏😏
— araplelei (@Kiplimo_Lelei) September 16, 2019
Mbiginji is one of our stable food, long as u keeps the dogs away
— Great🇰🇪1 (@27Ronoh) September 16, 2019
Also, the kids in the academies don’t control recruitment. They are kids. By the time he got enough money/clout to do something for others the chance for a football career would have bee gone for them. I mean …LAZY comment
— Jean Molenberghs (@JeanMolenberghs) September 17, 2019
Thats long time ago 😂😂Now we have food and Clothing but you are right…we are so happy with the little things we have like Wamlambez and Wamnyonyez😂😂😂
— Kevinavedi🇰🇪🇨🇳 (@chelseadiehard7) September 16, 2019
These have got to be the fittest starving guys I’ve ever seen.
— Kenny Gana (@KennyGana1) September 17, 2019
Guidetti now plays for the Spanish side Deportivo Alavés.