Wayne Gretzky asserts ‘I’m Canadian’ as he addresses Trump-related backlash

'I never became an American citizen. I’m Canadian,' legendary hockey player Wayne Gretzky said during a recent podcast.

Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky is speaking out about his Canadian roots, months after he was the target 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 about the 51st state stuff that Donald Trump said.”

“Oh, sure, because Canadians are proud but here’s the two factors. I don’t know how many people move to the U.S., whether it’s business or entertainment or hockey, and I don’t know the exact number, but I would tell you that over 90 per cent of them become American citizens,” Gretzky said.

“I never became an American citizen. I’m Canadian. I can’t vote in the U.S. because I live in the U.S. and I’m Canadian,” he continued. “I can’t vote in Canada because I don’t live in Canada.

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.”

Host John Shannon asked Gretzky if he understands that many Canadians want to hear from him when it comes to the topic of politics.

“Well, sure, but as I said to the prime minister, he wouldn’t tell me how to play hockey. I’m not going to tell him what to do in politics. Simple 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 12th province.”