Vinicius, in tears, says racist abuse in Spain has taken the joy out of playing
Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr broke down in tears, saying he was struggling to stay motivated and enjoy football because of the racist abuse he faces in Spain.
During an emotional press conference ahead of Brazil's friendly against Spain on Tuesday, the Real Madrid winger expressed frustration that fans are still able to hurl racist abuse at him.
Last season, LaLiga reported ten such episodes against the 23-year-old to prosecutors.
"I just want to play football but it's hard to move forward... I feel less and less like playing (due to 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'm a bold player, I play for Real Madrid and we win a lot of titles and that doesn't sit well with a lot of people."
Brazil will face Spain at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday as part of an anti-racism campaign.
Last May, Real Madrid's LaLiga game at Valencia's Mestalla stadium was halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius was racially abused by some members of the crowd.
Vinicius pointed out fans who were abusing him before he got into a fight with Valencia players, which resulted in him being sent off.
The incident sparked an outpouring of support for the Brazilian and sparked a slew of local and international campaigns, but Vinicius expressed frustration as he has been subjected to additional abuse this season, with LaLiga reporting several other cases in recent months.
"It's getting sadder and sadder. Everything I've been going through with every game, every day, every complaint... and it is getting worse," Vinicius added.
"The lack of punishments is very frustrating. If we start punishing these people, not that they'll change their thinking, but they'll be afraid to speak out, whether it's in the stadium, where there are cameras... put fear into those people."
"I want to keep fighting for it, but it's hard. It doesn't matter if I win or lose the games, I'm already a winner for being here."
Tags
SportsLigue