 "Vinicius Jr. breaks down while talking about racist abuse: 'Racism reducing my desire to play football'")
Vinicius Jr. said his desire to play football was reducing as incidents of racist abuse aimed at him continue to pile up in Spain, during a tearful media appearance for Brazil on Monday.
The Real Madrid striker has suffered abuse from opposition fans on many occasions in recent years, with an incident in Valencia in May last year provoking worldwide outrage .
Vinicius’ Brazil will face Spain at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on Tuesday under the slogan “One Skin” to help combat racism.
“I’ve been seeing this (racism) for a long time, and every time I feel sadder, and every time I have less desire to play,” Vinicius told reporters.
😢 Vinicius se derrumbó en rueda de prensa.
— Relevo (@relevo) March 25, 2024
👏🏻 Todos los periodistas presentes en la sala rompieron en aplausos hacia él.
🎥 @JorgeCPicon pic.twitter.com/PUWbvmxAx5
The 23-year-old broke down at one point after answering questions about the racist abuse he’s suffered in different stadiums across Spain.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe striker though said he would not leave La Liga and play in a different country to escape the abuse.
“I would be giving the racists what they want,” he said. “I will stay at the best club in the world, scoring as many goals as I can so they keep watching me.”
Read | Vinicius Jr. and incidents of racist abuse in Spanish football
Vinicius said he wished he could only think about his playing career.
“Playing football is very important but the fight against racism is hugely important,” he said.
“I want people of colour to have a normal life and if that was the case, I would go to games with my club only focussed on playing.”
Read | How European leagues deal with racist abuse
Meanwhile, Spain defender and Vinicius’ club teammate Dani Carvajal denied his country was racist.
“I am sure that Spain is not a racist country but there are many racists here and many of them are in the stadiums,” said Vinicius.
“From the first time I complained about racism in Spain it’s been blowing up… they are insulting me over the colour of my skin so I play worse on the pitch.
“They can say many other things to me and I wouldn’t say anything, I hope I can go to stadiums and not think about what could happen.”
He condemned Atletico Madrid fans for racist chants aimed at him before their Champions League clash against Inter Milan.
“It’s a sad reality that happens even during matches where I am not present,” said Vinicius on social media platform X.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said in November Vinicius has become “unfortunately used to” racism in Spain.
‘Ugliest thing’
📸 𝗔 𝗽𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆!@willliamsssnico, Lamine Yamal, @vinijr and @RodrygoGoes support the fight against racism ahead of Brazil 🆚 Spain.
— Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) March 25, 2024
ℹ️ https://t.co/eQTx1NTI50#VamosEspaña #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/RLFTxkX26L
Carvajal said he didn’t think his country was racist but admitted racist insults were the “ugliest” thing that exists in sport.
“Sadly there are people who go to football it seems to let loose all their rage, their anger,” said Carvajal.
“When it seems that it hurts someone, they do it more and it’s a pity.
“Those type of people should not be allowed into stadiums because it’s the ugliest thing that exists in sport.”
Spain come into the friendly on the back of a 1-0 loss against Colombia as they continue preparations for Euro 2024.
Brazil coach Dorival Junior said 17-year-old starlet Endrick would not be part of the playing XI but will likely come on as a substitute to make his bow at the home of his future club, Real Madrid.
Palmeiras striker Endrick, joining Vinicius at Madrid in the summer, scored the winner over England on Saturday.
“Endrick will not be a starter – without doubt he will bring a lot of joy to Real Madrid, he has a brilliant future,” said Dorival.
“I think that Endrick will have his moment.”
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said comparisons to legendary Brazil striker Pele were unfair on the teenager.
“He’s 17, a very good player, like we have too, but you have to give him time and above all, be prudent,” said De la Fuente.
“Thinking he could be the next Pele would be putting a lot of pressure and stress on him.”
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