MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands' veteran supports Everton Argentine player Funes Mori: “he is entitled to his opinion”

Edward Denmark, who fought in the Falklands war, said it showed “integrity” for Ramiro Funes Mori to support his country

A Falklands war veteran has said that Everton’s player Ramiro Funes Mori is “entitled to his opinion“ after a controversial tweet went viral. The Argentine defender posted, “Las Malvinas son argentinas” which translates as “the Falkland Islands are Argentine” on the anniversary of Argentina’s invasion of the Falklands, April 2nd.

Many in Britain said that the tweet appeared to support Argentina's claim to the British overseas territory and it sparked a huge debate online. One fan wrote: “There’s a strong chance that of the 255 British servicemen to die in that war, one or two supported the club you play for.”

But while many were upset by the tweets, Edward Denmark, who was in an artillery regiment that fought in the conflict, said the 27-year-old is “entitled to his opinion“.

Edward, 57, from Wirral , served in the war and lost friends during his time as a soldier in the British Army.

He said that the tweet showed integrity and that Funes Mori should be commended for his support of his country. “I was shocked to see how angered people were by the tweet. He has every right to voice his opinion and support his country. I think it shows integrity. There should be no animosity towards the Argentines or between the two nations. The war was 36 years ago and it is time for us all to move on from in.”

Edward also said that while he understands that people will still be upset about the lives lost, that it is time for reconciliation. He added: “Men were lost on both sides of that war but it is time to bring peace and move forward.

“I was bombed, almost killed and tried to kill throughout my time in the Falklands and I will never forget it but I can move on.”

After serving his time in the military, Edward moved on to writing books about his experiences and recently submitted documentation to the Argentine government to try to help Argentine veterans of the conflict the recognition he feels they deserve.

He added: “I want to make sure they are getting proper pensions and being looked after properly. When you’re at war at 21, you’re there to protect your country from an enemy.

“It isn’t personal, it’s your job and they should be properly compensated, as the British have been, for their service to their country.”