Real Madrid’s Vinicius breaks down in tears at press conference, speaking out against ongoing racism: “I’m starting to lose my love for the game”

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On Tuesday evening, Vinicius Junior's Brazil will play a friendly match against Spain. The match will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu, the home of his employer Real Madrid. At the press conference the day before the kick-off, a visibly emotional Vinicius had something to say.

There was not much talk about football during the press chat. Since Vinicius is under contract with The Royal the Brazilian winger has too often been the victim of senseless racism in Spain. Now that he will play with the national team again in a Spanish football stadium – and that in 'his' Santiago Bernabeu – Vinicius soon burst into tears when that sensitive topic was broached.

“It's quite sad, it happens here every game, every day. Every time I bring this up it makes me very sad,” Vinicius explains. “This is happening not only in Spain, but all over the world. I will continue to resist so that no one will fall victim to racism in the near future,” the Brazilian insists.

When the Brazilian spoke specifically about his situation, there was a moment of silence for about 40 seconds. Vinicius could no longer keep it dry. “My family, all those people who suffer day in and day out. Other people don't have the same future prospects as I do. I am very happy to be able to represent everything that I represent: my family, my country,… I know where I come from, there was not much prospect of a future. I am already a winner because I am where I am.”

“If I leave, I'll give the racists what they want”

“Every time I feel sadder,” he explains. “Every time I feel less like playing football. I have often thought about leaving Spain. But if I leave here, I'll give the racists what they want. I want to stay here, at the best club in the world, so that they can continue to see my face,” Vinicus remains combative. “The people in question have often gone too far with me and by extension with my family. I want this to change so that every time I participate in a press conference, they don't ask me about it anymore.”

Last weekend, the Selecao recorded a 0-1 win in Wembley against England, the Red Devils' next opponent on Tuesday. The 17-year-old Endrick (teammate of Vinicius Jr. at Real from this summer) was then crowned the match winner.

© EPA-EFE

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