Vini Jr reveals "less motivation to play" due to racism
A constant target of racist insults during La Liga matches, Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior will play at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in the Spanish capital on Tuesday (Mar. 26), wearing the yellow jersey. The game's primary objective is to bolster the anti-racism campaign that Vini Jr has been championing in Spain over the past year.
During a press conference on Monday (25), on the eve of the friendly, Vini Jr couldn't hold back his tears as he revealed feeling discouraged from continuing to play soccer in Spain.
"It's been incredibly tough, and I've struggled a lot because of everything that's been happening to me. It's exhausting because you feel quite alone in this battle. Despite my numerous complaints, no one is held accountable, no club faces punishments. Every day, I fight for all those who will come because if it were just for me and my family, I think I would have given up everything I've been fighting for. Each day when I return home, I feel more disheartened, but I've been chosen to champion such an important cause. I study more about [racism] daily, learning so that in the very near future, my five-year-old brother won't have to endure what I'm going through," said the striker, who has reported at least 10 incidents of racism to La Liga authorities.
The friendly against Spain in Madrid will feature a visual identity emphasizing black and white. During the anthem, the Brazilian players will wear black jackets with the slogan "one skin; one identity," in Portuguese, English, and Spanish.
Vini Jr cried during the press conference, particularly when he mentioned the way he is treated by the press in Spain.
"I think they [journalists] have to talk less about everything I do wrong on the pitch, of course I have to evolve, but I'm 23, it's a natural process, I left Brazil very young, I haven't been able to learn so many things. I'm 23 and I'm still learning. Why can't the Spanish reporters, who are older than me, study and see what's really going on? I'm getting sadder and sadder, I feel less and less like playing, but I'm going to keep fighting," said Vini Jr, wiping away his tears.
Amidst numerous challenges, the No. 7 expressed his enthusiasm for Tuesday's friendly, particularly following Brazil's first victory under coach Dorival Júnior against England (1-0) last Saturday (23) in London.
"It's going to be a dream come true for me to play in my home country here in Spain, at the Bernabéu Stadium, wearing the Brazilian national team shirt, where I've always dreamed of being. It will also be the first time with the fans against me. It's going to be a very important match for both teams, among the best ones in the world, and it's been a long time since they've played each other. We like to play against the best, as we did against England, and we managed to put on a great game," said Vinícius Júnior.
