Vinicius Jr went emotional, breaking down to tears as he narrated his grim experiences with racism in LaLiga.
Speaking ahead of Brazil’s international friendly against Spain on March 26, the Real Madrid star revealed he always went home sad at the end of the day, feeling hopeless due to lack of support in his fight against racism.
Vinicius Jr maintained that verbal racial abuse is not only a Spanish problem but a global problem that needs addressing.
He called on large football governing bodies like FIFA, UEFA, and other relevant bodies to make a concerted effort to address the problem.
On suggestions that he may likely leave Spain due to racial attacks, the 23-year-old said he has never considered leaving Spain but will stay to fight the racist minority.
“Verbal racism happens not only in Spain, but also throughout the world. Every day I go home I feel sadder. Nobody is supporting me.
“Sorry, I just want to play football, do everything for my club and my family.”
“I have never thought about leaving Spain, because that would be giving the racists what they want. I’m not going to leave the best club in the world,” he said defiantly. “The racists are a minority; I’m going to remain firm and strong because the president and the club support me.”
The Brazilian attacking sensation has been phenomenal for Real Madrid. Regarded as one of the best forwards of his generation, Vinicius Jr’s career in Spain is frequently submerged in seething racial row.
Last season, he found himself amid a racial row after Real Madrid’s LaLiga match with Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium.
Some sections of Valencia fans had hurled racial slurs at the player, leading to a near brawl on the pitch as Vinicius Jr attempted to retaliate but was held back.
After the incident, the Real Madrid star found himself in a boiling social media row with LaLiga president Javier Tebas, who was at odds with him for calling Spain racist. Tebas later tendered an apology to the player but cases of similar attacks has been a continuum.
The racial attack at the Mestalla Stadium was one of the various cases of attack on Vinicius Jr in LaLiga.
Despite the incessant racial onslaughts by some fans, the striker has reiterated his decision to continue doing what he loves most; playing football.
He cited the support of his club Real Madrid as one of the reasons he would never quit his career in Spain irrespective of the attacks and abuses.
