2024-03-25 23:33:49
Brazilian footballer Vinicius Junior shed tears when he said that he is struggling to stay motivated and enjoy playing football due to the recurring racist insults he is subjected to in Spain.
During an emotional press conference ahead of the Brazilian team’s friendly against Spain on Tuesday, the Real Madrid winger said he is frustrated that fans continue to get away with the racist insults they direct against him.
Last season, there were 10 episodes of racism against the 23-year-old player reported to Spanish Championship prosecutors.
“I just want to play football, but it’s difficult to move on… I have less and less desire to play (because of racist insults)”, said Vinicius, in a press conference this Monday, sometimes having difficulty speaking between the tears.
“I haven’t been thinking so much about leaving here (Spain). If I leave here, I’ll give the racists what they want.”
“I’m going to keep fighting and playing for the best in the world, winning titles and scoring lots of goals, so that they can see my face every time. As I’m a bold player, who plays for Real Madrid and we’ve won a lot of titles, it’s complicated.”
Brazil will face Spain at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday, in a friendly that is part of an anti-racism campaign.
In May last year, Real Madrid’s Spanish Championship game at Valencia’s Mestalla stadium was interrupted for 10 minutes after Vinicius suffered racist abuse from some sections of the stands.
Vinicius took aim at fans who were swearing at him before becoming involved in an argument with Valencia players which saw him sent off.
The incident generated a wave of support for the Brazilian and spurred a series of local and international campaigns, but Vinicius expressed his frustration after being subjected to further abuse that season. La Liga ended up reporting several other cases in recent months.
“I believe it’s something very sad, everything I’ve been going through here with each game, each day, with each complaint I make… it’s increasing,” added Vinicius.
“The lack of punishments is very frustrating. If we start to punish these people, not that they will change their thinking, but they will be afraid to speak, whether in the stadium, where there are cameras… and this way we will reduce this, put fear in those people.”
“I want to keep fighting, but it’s difficult. It doesn’t matter if I win or lose the games, I’m already a winner for being here.”
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