By Sorie Sudan Sesay, London.
The mother of Westham United and England international Carlton Cole has said that her son cares for and loves Sierra Leone.
Selina Cole, speaking from her Staines Wraybury residence in Berkshire, said her son and entire family were surprised and disappointed over reports in the local media in Sierra Leone that Cole, with a Sierra Leonean background, has no interest in the country after he featured for a selected Nigerian national team in a friendly in Lagos.
“That is totally untrue – Carlton is very much interested, cares for and is proud of Sierra Leone – he is always thinking about his country and how best he can help in his little way towards its development."
Selina said the friendly in which Carlton featured for Nigeria was organized in honour of Nigerian international Jay Jay Okocha who was retiring from active soccer, and that has not got anything to do with the player’s citizenship.
“This is ridiculous, how can Carlton turn his back on Sierra Leone, his home country,?” Selina questioned adding, “Carlton always loves Sierra Leone and will always be proud of that country.”
She said Carlton Cole(photo) was just coming from Sierra Leone where he seized the opportunity to meet with important dignitaries in the country.
Selina disclosed plans by Carlton and herself to help boost Sierra Leone both locally and internationally.
“He wants to give something to Sierra Leone – Carlton is a very loving, caring and respectable person who is always ready to help in his own little way and has always been looking forward to opportunities that will link him up with his people.”
Meanwhile, plans are currently underway to undertake developmental projects both in Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom involving African children including Sierra Leoneans in collaboration with the Sierra Leone High Commission in London.
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