Chelsea defender, Marcos Alonso, has revealed that he would no longer take the knee because the anti-racism gesture is “losing a bit of strength.”

According to Sky Sports, Alonso however maintained that he is fully against racism and would rather point to the Premier League ‘No Room for Racism’ badge on his sleeve.

“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.

“I prefer to do it this way and, of course, to say very clearly that I am against racism and I respect everybody.”

Asked whether or not his decision to stop taking the knee had anything to do with politics, Alonso said: “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.”

“No, we haven’t talked about it,” Alonso said when asked if he had spoken with his teammates about his decision.

“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. 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.”

Alonso confirmed he intends to maintain his stance for the rest of the season, adding: “Yeah, for now I prefer to point to the sleeve and that’s what I will do.”