Club America issued a statement expressing “absolute solidarity” with Saint-Maximin and his family, who had the “support of everyone who is part of this institution”.<\/p>\n
His team-mates held up a ‘No to racism’ banner before their game against Necaxa.<\/p>\n
“It was not the fault of Club America,” Saint-Maximin says. “I have nothing against them, the players or the Mexican people. I love the club. It was one of the best places I’ve been with my family.<\/p>\n
“It’s just some random people say some stuff and try to attack your family. You never really know who they support or why they do this, but when this affects your kids there are not many choices to take.<\/p>\n
“It was a difficult choice for me and my family, but I take my responsibility because I always say I will never accept stuff like this.<\/p>\n
“It was important to show to people, especially in my situation, that I can lose a lot of things, but I will never accept this.”<\/p>\n
Saint-Maximin joined Lens on a short-term deal in the second half of last season.<\/p>\n
He played his part in Lens winning the French Cup for the first time in their 120-year history and finishing second in Ligue 1.<\/p>\n
Saint-Maximin had a number of offers in the summer, but decided to move to Major League Soccer side Charlotte.<\/p>\n
“My family have always followed me to every single place,” he says. “So this time was more of a family choice.<\/p>\n
“It was a way for me to give back what they have given to me since I started my career.”<\/p>\n
Saint-Maximin has linked up with former Aston Villa<\/a> manager Dean Smith, a “straightforward guy” who is going to “tell you the truth straight away”.<\/p>\n