Rangers star Alfredo Morelos claims he has been subjected to racial abuse on and off the pitch since arriving in Scotland.
But he insists it will not drive him out of his adopted country.
The Colombian striker arrived at Ibrox in the summer of 2017 and has been one of the most talked about players in the country since he burst onto the scene.
The 23-year-old opened up on a range of issues as he made allegations of racism from Celtic supporters during Rangers' derby win at Parkhead in December.
A police investigation was opened in the wake of the fixture, although no charges have been brought.
There have been a number of race-related incidents in Scottish football over recent seasons, with Celtic's Scott Sinclair targeted and the latest involving Aberdeen's Shay Logan, who accused what appears to be a Rangers fan of abusing him on Instagram.
Morelos has made a name for himself on the pitch proving to be indispensable to Steven Gerrard, having already racked up 28 goals this season and 31 during the last campaign.
But the Rangers forward has received continuous criticism for his poor disciplinary record and inflammatory gestures towards Motherwell and Celtic fans this season.
He told Sky Sports: "Yes I've felt racism both on and off the pitch.
"It's very sad to feel that way but it's not something that affects me much. I just try to focus on my job which is scoring goals and winning matches.
"Sometimes it's frustrating when a crowd is throwing coins at me or throwing drinks at me, obviously saying racist things to me and making chants about my mother which is obviously very offensive.
"Those things affect my family and are frustrating but I am a strong person and I always believe things can be overcome with hard work. I just focus on my job and try to forget about these things."
He went on: "In the match against Motherwell we were winning a very important match and I scored a very important goal and I celebrated - I didn't mean to offend anyone.
"I think if you look back at the video I have done this celebration at home and at away matches, it is just part of my celebration in the moment and I don't even think about it. I think it was misunderstood if people think I was trying to offend someone or direct it at the opposing crowd.
"In the match against Celtic we were winning in extra-time. I fell down, whether that is simulation or not that's up to the referee but afterwards it was very frustrating to hear elements of the crowd screaming at me saying offensive things and racist words. I wasn't trying to instigate or incite anything else.
"I just wanted them to stop and it was sort of a symbol saying 'come on guys the game's over, this doesn't need to continue during the match. I understand if you are criticising but now it's over'. I'm not someone who wants to start a fight with anyone, I don't have any problem with any fans, any race and any religion and so I hope to be treated that same way.
"I don't pay any attention to the press here because I know people are going to say positive and negative things about me but this doesn't really affect my life or my family.
"I try to take everything they say negative and use it as a positive as motivation or as a reminder that I am doing things on the pitch and that's why I am receiving so much attention from the press now.
"I am trying to raise a family, I am someone who I consider to be very calm off the pitch and nothing anyone can write about me can change who I am."
Morelos says he likes to get out and about and explore what the city of Glasgow has to offer when he isn't on the pitch.
But his allegiance to Rangers and his high profile figure means it can prove difficult.
He added: "Living in Glasgow is great but it is also complicated. The passion for football is incredible. Half the city loves me but half the city probably doesn't like me so much.
"I'm a person who likes to go out and meet people and go shopping and eat at restaurants but it's become difficult. Even though it's great to have people waiting for photos and to speak to you, it's also frustrating when people are insulting."
When asked if the abuse will ever become too much to handle, he responded: "No. At this point my goal is to stay focused on my play and help Rangers stay focused on winning the title and trophies and if I do that I think everything will be calm and good for my family.
"I'm generally unfazed and it's more about my family and them feeling nervous about the situation."
When Morelos plays, he scores. The problem is keeping himself on the pitch. His short fuse resulted in several red cards last season, ultimately costing his team as Celtic claimed eight league titles on the bounce and a treble Treble.
The talisman believes he is unfairly treated but realised it's an area of his game he needs to improve on.
He said: "I feel there are times that I probably get treated differently from other players if they were in the same situation, but I also realise and the staff have been great to help me realise that I have to change my behaviour too. I've learned from some of my mistakes.
"I characterise myself as a player who is very physical. That's been a benefit to me over time as I've been able to withstand rough hits and hard tackles. I've never had any fear or been scared of any player in the opposing team or any rival.
"I think here in this league because of the physicality and because of the passion for football there's been times when I've been physical with my play and therefore I have received yellow cards and red cards perhaps sometimes unjustly.
"Now I'm working with my team-mates. I'm working with the staff here and I think they always have my back and are supporting me. Hopefully, I can solve this issue and learn to play in the way they are looking for here."
