Brazilian winger Vinicius said in a tearful interview with the media on Monday that his desire to play football was waning amid rising incidents of racial abuse against him in Spain. The Real Madrid striker has suffered repeated abuse from opposition fans in recent years, including an incident in Valencia in May that sparked outrage around the world. Spain will face Vinicius Junior’s Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday under the slogan “One Skin” to help combat racism.
Vinicius told reporters: “I’ve seen this (racism) for a long time and every time I feel sadder and every time my desire to play diminishes.”
The 23-year-old was brought to tears after answering questions about the racist abuse he suffered at different stadiums in Spain.
However, Vinicius later said he would not leave Spain and try to play football in other countries to escape the abuse.
“I’ll give the racists what they want,” he said.
“I’m going to stay at the best club in the world and score as many goals as possible so they keep looking at me.”
Vinicius said he wishes he could only think about his career.
“It’s very important to play football, but it’s also very important to fight against racism,” he said.
“I want people of color to be able to live a normal life and if that’s the case I’ll go to the game with my club and just focus on the game.”
Earlier, Spanish defender and Vinicius’ club team-mate Dani Carvajal denied that his country was free of racism.
Vinicius said: “I’m sure Spain is not a racist country, but there are a lot of racists here and a lot of them are in the stadiums.”
“From the first time I complained about racism in Spain, it just kept building… They insulted me because of the color of my skin, so my performance on the pitch was worse.
“They could say a lot of other things to me but I won’t say anything, I hope I can go to the stadium and not think about what will happen.”
He recently condemned Atletico Madrid fans for chanting racist chants directed at him before a Champions League match against Inter Milan in early March.
“This sad reality happens even in games where I’m not present,” Vinicius said on social media platform X.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said in November that Vinicius was “unfortunately used” to racism in Spain.
“The ugliest thing”
Carvajal earlier said he did not believe racism existed in his country but that racist insults were the “ugliest” thing that exists in sport.
“Sadly, some people seem to release all their rage and fury by going to football,” Carvajal said.
“When it looks like it’s hurting someone, they do more, which is a shame.
“People like this should not be allowed in stadiums because it is the ugliest thing in sport.”
Last Friday, Spain lost 1-0 to Colombia in a friendly match as they continued their preparations for Euro 2024.
Brazil coach Dorívar Júnior says 17-year-old starlet Enderrick will not start against Spain but is likely to call it quits at the home of his future club Real Madrid.
Palmeiras striker Ndrick, who joined Vinicius Junior in Madrid this summer, scored the winning goal in a 1-0 win over England in a friendly on Saturday.
“Enderrick will not be a starter – there is no doubt that he will bring a lot of joy to Real Madrid and he has a bright future,” Dorival said.
“I think Endrick is going to have his moment.”
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said it was unfair to compare the teenager to legendary Brazilian striker Pele.
“He is 17 years old and a very good player, like us, but you have to give him time and above all be careful,” De La Fuente said.
“The thought that he could be the next Pelé will put a lot of pressure on him.”
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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