Vinicius Jr to speak out in interview and threaten to leave Real Madrid after repeated racist abuse - Reports
Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Junior will reportedly sit down for an interview and threaten to leave the club if he continues to receive racism.
According to Brazilian outlet UOL, Vinicius plans to speak about the racist abuse he's receiving. The latest incident occurred in Los Blancos' La Liga 1-0 defeat to Valencia on Sunday (May 21). The report claims that the Brazilian could even threaten to leave the Santiago Bernabeu if the abuses continue.
Vinicius' time at Real Madrid has been marred by constant racist abuse from rival fans in La Liga. It has become a glaring issue that has tarnished Spanish football's reputation.
Thousands of fans called the young forward a 'monkey' at the Mestalla, so the player wants answers and action from Spanish authorities. Vinicius already released a statement about the abuse following the defeat to Valencia:
"It wasn't the first time, nor the second nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga. The competition thinks it's normal; the Federation does too, and the opponents encourage it. I'm very sorry."
Vinicius continued by alluding to the legendary players that have performed in La Liga before deploring the racism that has ensued:
"The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano and Messi today belong to the racists. A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and which I love, but which agreed to export the image of a racist country to the world. I am sorry for the Spaniards who do not agree, but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists."
He concluded:
"And, unfortunately, for everything that happens every week, I can't defend it. I agree. But I'm strong, and I'll go to the end against racists."
Vinicius has been in superb form this season, scoring 23 goals and providing 21 assists in 54 appearances across competitions. It's unlikely that Real Madrid will open the door for the Brazilian to leave. His contract with Los Merengues runs till 2027 with a termination fee of €1 billion.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti supports Vinicius amid racist abuse
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has shown his support for Vinicius. The young attacker has finally had enough of the disgusting and vile abuse he's receiving and wants it to end.
Vinicius was shown a red card in the 97th minute of the loss to Valencia, as his tensions boiled over. Ancelotti has said that he spoke to the attacker during the game and asked if he wanted to continue due to the hostility (via Liverpool Echo):
"I talked to him during the game because the atmosphere was very heated and very bad. I asked him if he wanted to continue. I didn't want to remove him because the atmosphere is racist. It has never happened to me. Not like that. It is unacceptable, and La Liga has a problem that is not Vinicius."
Ancelotti backed Vinicius' sentiments about the need for racism to stop in Spanish football:
"He is the victim. What should be done? You can't play football ilike that. I would say the same if we had won. It's too serious. They insult Vinicius all the time, and then they give him a red card. I am very sad. It's a league with great teams, but we have to get rid of this. We are in 2023."
Vinicius joined Real Madrid in 2018 and has become one of La Liga's most renowned wingers. However, he's rightfully deciding that it's now time to take decisive action in the face of incessant racism.