Real Madrid sensation Vinicius Junior couldn't hold back the tears after being repeatedly asked about racism ahead of Brazil's friendly with Spain.

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• Vinicius repeatedly asked about racism
• Brazil star breaks down in tears during press conference
• Real forward the target of countless attacks

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Vinicius faced the press on Monday ahead of a blockbuster friendly clash between his home nation and the country he has lived in since 2018. Spain has, however, also been the setting of countless incidents of racist abuse aimed in his direction, prompting some reporters to question him on the subject. The 23-year-old was unable to hide his emotion and broke down in tears, calling for the end of "suffering for black people" before being met with applause.

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  WHAT VINICIUS SAID

  In between tears during the press conference at Valdebebas, Madrid's training ground, the Brazilian said: “I just want to play football but it’s hard to move forward … I feel less and less like playing. It never crossed my mind [to leave Spain] because if I leave Spain I give the racists exactly what they want.

  "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."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Vinicius has time and again proved himself to be one of the strongest players in world football, batting off countless racist attacks from rival fans. This includes matches he isn't even playing in, as seen during Atletico's clash with Inter in the Champions League earlier this month. Racism towards Vinicius has even come from leading figures within Spanish football and the media. Clearly, at 23 years of age and with enough weight on his shoulders playing for two of football's most storied sides in Brazil and Real, such vile abuse has taken its toll on Vinicius.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News