West Bromwich Albion striker Peter Odemwingie hopes winning the 2018 World Cup will help solve Russia's racism problems.
The 29-year-old Nigeria international was on the receiving end of such treatment during his time with Lokomotiv Moscow before making the move to the Hawthorns during the summer, at which point Lokomotiv fans displayed a banner depicting a banana with the message: "Thank you West Brom."
At the time Odemwingie branded their actions as "a disgrace" and claimed "coloured players feel the open racism there and it makes you feel sick".
But the Baggies' leading scorer is hoping the arrival in Russia of many nationalities for the finals will help to change the mentality of supporters.
He said: "I am not sure how the World Cup is going to be but let's see when it comes. Maybe it is going to be better than anyone thought so let's just wait and see.
"As I've said before, it (racism) is a minority group. They are there but in the country now, they are ready to deal with it.
"In a way, I'm happy they are taking the World Cup there because lots of nationalities will come into their country and the mentality might change.
"The little negative parts that they have, it might reduce and there will be peace in the country.
"I only hope that is the case. There are lots of good people as well who just love football."
