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Bob Bradley hopes Donald Trump's 'divisive' comments don't hurt U.S.

Former United States manager Bob Bradley called President-elect Donald Trump's campaign tactics "divisive and ugly'' and said he hopes they don't negatively impact America's ambition to stage the World Cup or the Olympics.

The U.S. is in the running to host the 2024 Olympics in Los Angeles, while the United States Soccer Federation has expressed interest in bidding to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, either alone or with neighbors Mexico.

But Bradley said a negative international perception of the president could lead to the U.S. missing out on staging the world's two biggest sporting events.

"Everything that the President does in terms of domestic policy and international relations determines how you are received in all different areas, including sports," said Bradley, who guided the U.S. into the last 16 of the 2010 World Cup.

"The next World Cup is in Russia and, when you take some of the things that are going on between Russia and Ukraine, there is going to be debate before the tournament.

"I can only hope moving forward that the responsibilities of the job of President will show a marked difference from what we saw throughout the campaign.''

Bradley has not worked in his homeland since a five-year reign as U.S. boss came to an end in 2011.

The 58-year-old spent two years in charge of the Egypt national team before having successful spells at Stabaek in Norway and Le Havre in France. He then became the first American to manage in the Premier League when he was appointed Swansea City boss at the start of October.

Bradley said he watched the battle for the White House between Trump and Hillary Clinton and does not support what he perceives as the President-elect's values.

"I didn't like any part of the Trump campaign, I can't stand this type of message,'' Bradley said. "I can't put up with the type of values that don't include an understanding of people that come from different backgrounds.

"And I can't put up with values that don't take into account that people sometimes don't have everything that you have.

"I think our country was built upon caring about people who came from different places.

"I guess if you want to be optimistic you just have to hope that the responsibilities of the job make a big difference in the way Trump handles himself.

"Because if you just go by the campaign, for me it was divisive and ugly.''

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