Achi news desk-
Brazil winger Vinicius Jr broke down in tears and said he finds it difficult to stay motivated and enjoy playing football because of the constant racial abuse he suffers in Spain.
During an emotional press conference ahead of Brazil’s international friendly against Spain on Tuesday, the Real Madrid winger said he was frustrated as fans continued to get away with racial abuse towards him.
Last season, there were 10 such episodes against the 23-year-old player that were reported to prosecutors by La Liga.
“I just want to play football but it’s hard to move on… I feel less and less like playing (because of the racist abuse),” Vinicius told a press conference on Monday, at times struggling to speak through tears.
“It never crossed my mind (to leave Spain) because if I leave Spain, I give the racists exactly what they want.
“I will stay because that way the racists can continue to see my face more and more. I am a bold player, I play for Real Madrid and we win many titles and that does not fit in good with many people.”
Brazil will face Spain at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday as part of an anti-racism campaign.
Last May, Real Madrid’s match at Valencia’s Mestalla stadium was stopped for 10 minutes after Vinicius was racially abused by sections of the crowd.
Vinicius pointed out fans who were abusing him before he got involved in an altercation with Valencia players which resulted in him being sent off.
The event led to an outpouring of support for the Brazilian and prompted a series of local and international campaigns.
However, Vinicius voiced his frustration as he suffered more abuse this season, with the league reporting several more cases in the past few months.
“It’s getting sadder and sadder. Everything I’ve been going through with every game, every day, every complaint… and it’s getting worse,” Vinicius added.
“The lack of punishments is very frustrating. If we start punishing these people, it’s not that they will change their way of thinking, but they will be afraid to speak up, be it in the stadium , where there are cameras… put fear into those people.
“I want to keep fighting for it, but it’s difficult. It doesn’t matter if I win or lose the games, I’m already a winner for being here.”
