Alexis Mac Allister's mother has revealed that her son's spell in the Premier League has completely changed her view of England, leading her to refuse participation in an anti-English chant ahead of the World Cup semi-final.
Mother's Changed Perspective
Silvina Riela, mother of Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, admitted she previously held negative misconceptions about England before experiencing life there. Speaking on Radio Mitre's 'Alguien tiene que decirlo' programme, she said: "I had a rather negative impression of England, at least regarding living there, due to the cold and the lack of sunshine. In my ignorance, I used to say, 'I hope we never end up in England.'"
"But now that I've experienced it, everything has changed, even the way I see the people. I expected to encounter cold, distant people, but they are actually very polite and respectful. We were welcomed by a country that has treated us in the best possible way," she added.
Anti-English Chant and Falklands Context
Argentina players chanted about the Falklands after their quarter-final win over Switzerland: "For the Malvinas, For Diego [Maradona], For Leo's [Messi's] last one." They also participated in an anti-English chant: "And you see it, and you see it, anyone who doesn't jump is an Englishman." The 1982 Falklands War claimed 649 Argentine and 255 British service personnel lives, plus three civilians. The Falkland Islands are a British overseas territory claimed by Argentina as the Malvinas.
Addressing the anti-English sentiment, Riela said: "There is that situation involving England, stemming somewhat from the history regarding the Malvinas Islands. As [Argentina manager Lionel] Scaloni said, it's just a football match." She added: "My granddaughter was born in England. So, when everyone sings, 'Whoever doesn't jump is English,' I stay seated with her. I can't join in on that; I don't participate in that part," she laughed.
Mac Allister's View on England Rivalry
Alexis Mac Allister, targeting back-to-back World Cup triumphs, has started all six of Argentina's matches at the tournament. Ahead of the semi-final, he said: "We understand the context behind it, all the rivalry stemming from past events and history. Obviously, we also realise that this isn't the fault of their people or ours, but rather those in positions of power, so we shouldn't conflate the two."
"I have a lot of respect for [England]; I've been there for six years now, and they've always treated me incredibly well. From a footballing perspective, there's no doubt they want to beat us at all costs, and it's going to be a very tough match. So now, the task is to prepare the best we can; while there is mutual respect, it's going to be a great battle out on the pitch," Mac Allister added.
