Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has admitted that he feels “less and less like playing” because of racist abuse he has suffered in Spanish football.
The Brazilian has been on the receiving end of racist abuse on numerous occasions during his time in Spain, with 10 such incidents referred to prosecutors by La Liga last season.
On Monday a tearful Vinicius explained that he would not let the racists win by leaving Spain, although he is finding it “hard to move forward” from the abuse.
“It never crossed my mind because if I leave Spain I give the racists exactly what they want,” he said during an emotional press conference.
“I’m not going to leave the best club in the world. I’m going to remain firm and strong because the president and the club support me.
“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.
“I just want to play football but it’s hard to move forward; I feel less and less like playing.”
Real Madrid are reportedly considering selling Vini Jr in the transfer window with Kylian Mbappe expected to sign for Los Blancos from PSG.
The wide attacker has been linked with Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester United in the past.
Brazil face Spain in an international friendly at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid on Tuesday as part of an anti-racism campaign under the slogan ‘One skin’.
