Carlo Ancelotti provides update on Vinicius Junior’s Real Madrid future amid exit rumours
Carlo Ancelotti has downplayed fears that star forward Vinicius Junior will leave Real Madrid due to racism he’s faced during his time in La Liga.
Vinicius has been consistently subjected to racist abuse from opposition fans in Spain during recent seasons, with incidents occurring in games against Osasuna and Valencia over the last months. The Real Madrid star was disgracefully booked by referee Juan Martinez Munuera for dissent after reporting the racial abuse from Osasuna fans, leading to many to speculate over whether or not Vinicius will leave the club due to his treatment by La Liga.
Speaking ahead of Madrid’s clash with Athletic Club – a game which Vinicius is suspended for due to the aforementioned booking – manager Ancelotti allayed fears that the wide forward will leave the club.
“For Vinicius it’s obvious that [battling against racism] is a very important issue,“ said Ancelotti. „He takes it very seriously and that’s what we all have to do, take it very seriously.
“I don’t worry about Vinicius leaving. The thing that worries me a lot is that he can’t play tomorrow. That’s what worries me.“
Ahead of a recent international friendly between Brazil and Spain at the Santiago Bernabeu, aimed at highlighting the issue of racism in the game, Vinicius broke down in tears discussing his treatment, but vowed not to „give the racists what they want“ by leaving Real Madrid.
„I’ve never thought much about leaving here, because if I leave here, I am going to give the racists what they want,“ he stressed.
„I want to continue here, at the best club in the world, so that they continue to have to see my face. I continue to evolve in to continue doing these things, to be the joy of all the people who go to the stadium.
„Racists are a minority, and it doesn’t always happen. But since I’m daring, I’m from Madrid, the best club in the world – it’s difficult. But I’m going to continue, because the president supports me, the club supports me. If I leave, it would be the triumph of the racist.
„I’m sure that Spain is not a racist country, but there are a lot racists in Spain, and many of them are in the stands. And that’s difficult. I have to explain what racism really is to many Spanish people, and how much it affects me. That my family end up sad in their house.
„I can play badly, but there are other ways to say that. I want to go to all of the stadiums in Spain with the peace of mind knowing that I will not be judged for the colour of my skin.“