Vinicius Junior on racism: “I just want to play football”

• Vinicius Junior has acknowledged that the racial taunts he has received in Spanish football have made him feel “less and less like playing.”
• Over his tenure in Spain, the Brazilian has experienced a great deal of racial abuse.
• “I just want to play football, but it’s difficult to move ahead,” Vinicius stated.

Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior has acknowledged that the racial taunts he has received in Spanish football have made him feel “less and less like playing.”

Over his tenure in Spain, the Brazilian has experienced a great deal of racial abuse; ten of these cases were reported to prosecutors by La Liga last season.

Although he is finding it “hard to move forward” after the insults, a sobbing Vinicius stated on Monday that he would not allow the racists triumph by leaving Spain.

The 23-year-old was most recently the target of racial taunts from Atletico Madrid supporters prior to a Champions League match against Inter Milan. La Liga reported ten similar cases to prosecutors last season.

Vinicius disclosed the emotional toll this has had on him on Monday. Vinicius has received a lot of backlash in Spain for speaking out against racism.

“I just want to play football, but it’s difficult to move ahead… Vinicius stated, “I feel less and less like playing (because of the racist abuse).” He struggled to talk through tears at times.

“I’ve never considered leaving Spain since doing so would give racists precisely what they want.

“I’ll stay so racists can see my face more and more. I’m a daring player; I play for Real Madrid, and we win a lot of trophies, which doesn’t sit well with many people.”

Vinicius has recently experienced many incidents of racist harassment around Spain.

Brazil will play against Spain at Santiago Bernabeu. Photo/ Sky Sports

Following Real Madrid’s victory against their hometown rivals Atletico on the road in September 2022, Atletico denounced “unacceptable” pregame chants directed at Vinicius Jr. by a “minority” of supporters.

In June of last year, four individuals who had hung an effigy of Vinicius outside Real Madrid’s training site in January 2023 were fined €60,001 and banned from stadiums for two years.

Three other fans were also punished on the same day for making racist gestures during Real Madrid’s May game against Valencia, receiving a fine of €5,000 and a one-year ban.

Reports of more racial taunts directed toward Vinicius Jr. surfaced this season when Real Madrid played at Sevilla in October, Barcelona the following week, and Valencia earlier in the month.

According to reports, Real Madrid is thinking of selling Vini Jr. during the transfer season since Kylian Mbappe is anticipated to join Los Blancos from PSG.

The wide attacker was once linked to Manchester United and Chelsea of the Premier League.

Tuesday’s international friendly between Brazil and Spain will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid as part of the “One skin” anti-racism campaign.

Real Madrid eyeing Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold. Photo/Sky Sports

In anticipation of a possible deal for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid is keeping an eye on the contract negotiations between Liverpool and the right-back.

The Reds’ current contract with Alexander-Arnold ends at the end of the next campaign, and negotiations to extend it are currently on hold.

Since rising through the club’s youth levels, the 25-year-old has played a key role in the team, making 302 appearances, earning several major awards, and setting a new Premier League record most assists by a defender.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid is closely monitoring the England international’s circumstances as the Spanish powerhouse looks for a long-term Dani Carvajal successor.

But after losing James Milner and Jordan Henderson in the summer, Alexander-Arnold, who was named vice-captain of his childhood team, has not suggested that Liverpool wants to trade.

With Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah also having contracts that expire in 2025 at Anfield, the futures of numerous prominent players are looking hazy as summer draws near. The defender is just one of them.

The Saudi Pro League made an attempt to get Salah last summer, and the Middle East is still interested in the Egyptian, who has scored 21 goals in 32 games this season across all competitions.