Mario Balotelli has said he speaks out against racism in order to stand up for those whose voices are not heard.
The French Football League (LFP) ordered Bastia to close one stand of their Stade Furiani for three games after racist chants were directed at Balotelli during Nice's 1-1 draw in Corsica in mid-January.
The former Inter Milan, Manchester City and AC Milan forward, who moved from Liverpool to Nice last summer, prompted the LFP reaction and considerable public debate by saying on his official Instagram account he had been the target of racial abuse, and told RMC he owed it to others to speak out.
"It's a problem that goes beyond football," he said. "I can tell you one thing during the game at Bastia. I could have said nothing, and gone home. But that's not fair. Because it's not fair for the others who are not like me and who don't have the chance to express themselves. So I did it for them. I have a good life, I could just not care, but for me those are things that should not exist."
"I wanted to talk about it because there are people who can't talk about it or they wouldn't be listened to if they did. So it's right that I do it, because those sorts of people should be wiped off the map."
With 10 goals in 16 league games, Balotelli has made a significant contribution to his club's surprise Ligue 1 title challenge.
Having signed just a one-year deal, speculation about his future is rife, though he would be happy to stay in France if Nice secure European football.
"Yes, I hope so. If it's as you say, I'll sign here for life," Balotelli said when asked if he saw Nice becoming a major force in the French game. "If there was European football, to live here, with a new training centre, I don't see what could be better!"
One area for improvement is Balotelli's status in the plans of Italy coach Giampiero Ventura.
The Azzurri boss left Balotelli out of a get-together at Coverciano last month, and has remained circumspect regarding the prospect of picking the Nice striker for this month's World Cup qualifier with Albania and international friendly against Netherlands.
Though realistic about his prospects of a recall, Balotelli, who has not featured for Italy since the 2014 World Cup, told SFR Sport he has lost none of his passion for playing for his country.
"I love the national team, but there are forwards who are very good right now," Balotelli, a national hero in Italy after his brace against Germany in the Euro 2012 semifinal, said.
"I'm good too, but it's not me who decides who goes to the national team. But if I'm called up, I'm ready."