Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky is speaking out about his Canadian roots, months after he was the goal of intense scrutiny and criticism over his ties to U.S. President Donald Trump.
During a recent episode of the 100% Hockey With Millard & Shannon podcast, Gretzky, 64, was asked if he understands the disapproval he’s received for “not defending the country in regards to the 51st state stuff that Donald Trump said.”
“Oh, sure, because Canadians are proud but here’s the 2 aspects. I don’t understand how many individuals move to the U.S., whether it’s business or entertainment or hockey, and I don’t know the precise number, but I might let you know that over 90 per cent of them turn into Americans,” Gretzky said.
“I never became an American citizen. I’m Canadian. I can’t vote within the U.S. because I live within the U.S. and I’m Canadian,” he continued. “I can’t vote in Canada because I don’t live in Canada.
“I’m not into politics.”
Gretzky, who has been criticized in Canada for supporting Trump, including attending his election night party and inauguration, said he can’t stop “the prime minister for saying something” just as much as he can’t stop “the president for saying something.”
“I’m only a hockey player. Easy as that.”
Host John Shannon asked Gretzky if he understands that many Canadians wish to hear from him in relation to the subject of politics.
“Well, sure, but as I said to the prime minister, he wouldn’t tell me play hockey. I’m not going to inform him what to do in politics. Easy as that,” Gretzky replied.
“I understand. Canadians are proud,” Gretzky added, before explaining that he told former prime minister Justin Trudeau that Canada should “make United States the twelfth province.”
In February, Gretzky was introduced because the honorary Canadian team captain throughout the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey final and received boos from fans of Team Canada after he was seen giving a thumbs-up to the American players and not likely acknowledging the Canadian team in front of the cameras.
Fans also noticed that, unlike his honorary U.S. captain counterpart Mike Eruizone, Gretzky didn’t wear a Canada jersey ahead of the matchup, sticking with a blue suit, vest and tie as an alternative.
“Persons are going to say and consider what they need, right?” Gretzky said during his podcast appearance on Wednesday.
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“Bottom line is: I do know in my heart I’m Canadian, stayed Canadian and Canadian citizen for all times.”
Gretzky also revealed that he had loads of support within the aftermath of the criticism.
“It probably would hurt my dad more, so I’m glad that he didn’t must see it,” Gretzky added, referring to his late father, Walter.
After Gretzky was booed in February, he said he received a phone call from Trudeau.
“It was an exquisite phone call,” Gretzky said. “He reached out and he gave me an excellent line. He said, ‘I’m supplying you with a hug call.’ I said, ‘OK, I needed it immediately.’”
Trump also showed his support for Gretzky following the backlash over Gretzky’s perceived slights to Canada on the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey final.
In a post on Truth Social, the president said he’s concerned about Canadians turning on “the Great One” over their friendship.
“Wayne is my friend, and he desires to make me joyful, and is subsequently somewhat ‘low key’ about Canada remaining a separate Country, somewhat than becoming a cherished and delightful 51st State, paying much Lower Taxes, a Free and Powerful Military, NO TARIFFS, and having a Booming Economy,” Trump posted in late February.
Trump wrote he would back down on his suggestions that Gretzky turn into Canada’s “governor” — an idea he’s floated several times, each before and after Trudeau announced his plan to resign as prime minister.
“Wayne and Janet, his wonderful wife, love Canada, and so they should only support Canada, and whatever else makes the Canadian People, and Governor Justin Trudeau, joyful. He’s the Best Canadian of all of them, and I’m subsequently making him a ‘free agent,’ because I don’t want anyone in Canada to say anything bad about him.”
Trump first revealed that he had asked Gretzky to turn into the “governor of Canada” following a Christmas Day visit late last 12 months.
“I just left Wayne Gretzky, ‘The Great One’ as he is understood in ice-hockey circles,” Trump posted on Truth Social on Dec. 25.
“I said, ‘Wayne, why don’t you run for prime minister of Canada, soon to be referred to as the governor of Canada — you’d win easily, you wouldn’t even must campaign.’ He had no interest.”
Trump reiterated the comments two weeks later, telling reporters at Mar-a-Lago he had a plan for Trudeau’s successor.”
“I used to be with Wayne Gretzky. I said, ‘Wayne, would you wish to be the governor of Canada?’ I can’t imagine anybody doing higher than Wayne,” Trump said on the time.
— With files from Global News
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