Brazil international Vinicius Junior broke down in tears at a press conference on Monday, admitting that he had “lost the desire to play” due to the racist abuse directed at him in Spain.
But the Real Madrid forward says he has no thoughts of leaving La Liga, despite hearing racist chants from opposing fans since he arrived in Madrid more than five years ago.
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“I've been watching this here for a long time and it's getting sadder and sadder,” Vinicius said. “My desire to play is becoming less and less.Every time I get a complaint, I feel bad, but I have to come here and show my face.''
“I asked UEFA, FIFA, CONMEBOL, CBF for help… They can counter it. The problem that exists in Spain is that racism is not a crime.”
Vinicius was speaking in Madrid ahead of Brazil's international friendly against Spain, which was organized by both federations to raise awareness of racial discrimination.
“I am convinced that Spain is not a racist country, but there are many racists, many of them in the stadiums,” he said. “We have to change because many of them don't know what racism is.At 23 years old, I have to teach many Spaniards what racism is. It won't happen…”
Vinicius has been at the forefront of the fight against racism. Last year, Brazil passed the Vinicius Junior Law to combat racial discrimination in sporting events.
“Playing football is important, but fighting racism is also very important,” he said. “Let people of color live a normal life. If that were the case, I would go to my club's games just to focus on playing. The only thing I want is to play.” It’s about continuing and making sure everyone can live a normal life.”
“Of course, there are so many people in the football world and better players than me have come through here, so I want to help people all over the world evolve and improve. And I want to make sure we can be equal.”
“I want to keep fighting for that, so that in the near future there will be fewer incidents of racism and black people will be able to live a normal life like everyone else, because as I said before, Even if it's just for me, I'm at home where no one will say anything bad about me, so I go into games thinking only about the game so I can do my best for the team, so I don't give up. It might have been.
“I have to focus hard every day because I can't do it all the time,” he added, tearing up and receiving applause from people at the press conference.
Vinicius then spoke about the media's approach to reporting on the abuse he suffered.
“I don't think they should tell me everything I did wrong on the pitch. Of course I have to evolve and improve, but I'm only 23 and it's a natural process,” he said. Told. “I left Brazil at a young age, so I didn't get to learn a lot. I'm studying. I'm 23 years old and I'm still learning. The reporters here are better than me. I'm older, why can't I study?” Do you really know what's going on? I'm getting sadder and sadder, and I don't want to play anymore. But I'm going to keep fighting.
“More than anything, I understand. [strength] From my family, my fans, and everyone who sends me messages of encouragement to keep fighting for those in need. ”
La Liga has filed a number of complaints against Vinicius in Spanish courts for alleged racist and hateful insults, but many have been shelved.
Spanish police have made arrests in connection with racist incidents over the past year.
“What frustrates me the most is the lack of punishment, that nothing happens to the people who committed such acts,” Vinicius said.
Vinicius, who has a contract with Real Madrid until June 2027, is determined to continue playing in Spain.
“I have never thought of leaving La Liga, because otherwise I would give the racists what they want,” he said.
“I'm going to keep playing for the best club in the world and score a lot of goals so they keep watching me. Racists are in the minority. I'm a bold player and It's very nice because we play in Madrid and we have won many titles.''It's complicated. The president supports me and the club supports me, so I'm going to keep going and I'm going to keep winning a lot.”
The Spanish Government underlined the work of the Standing Committee set up to combat violence, racism, xenophobia and intolerance in sport. The commission, which includes the Spanish league, authorities and the football federation, has previously fined clubs, ordered them banned from stadiums, banned fans from attending matches for an extended period and forced them to pay hefty fines. I've been doing a lot of things.
