Vinicius Junoir has been part of many controversies in the latest times due to his way of celebrating goals and his team’s successes. It has been stated by many fans and even football players that his ways of celebrating were provocative and even ugly. This has also led at certain people and fans insulting him and even making him face very racist and xenophobic comments. His success seems to be hard to swallow for some people who probably envy him and at the same time probably all of hard working and successful sportsmen.
However, becoming a victim of racist comments has not moved Vini not a bit from his path. He has stated that his dances have nothing to do with provocations or bad intentions and has condemned the dirt thrown on him. More than being a brilliant, talented and hard working player, the 22-year-old has also shown himself to be a great person and one with a lot of maturity. He made an official statement on his social media that and was supported by many colleagues (both compatriots and others) and of course by his followers and the world of football in general.
On his official statement Vini Jr. wrote the following: “As long as the colour of the skin is more important than the brightness of the eyes, there will be war. I have that phrase tattooed on my body. I have that thought permanently in my head. That is the attitude and the philosophy that I try to put into practice in my life. They say that happiness bothers. The happiness of a victorious black Brazilian in Europe bothers much more”.
"But my desire to win, my smile and the sparkle in my eyes are much bigger than that. You can't even imagine it. I was a victim of xenophobia and racism in a single statement. But none of that started yesterday”.
"Weeks ago they began to criminalise my dances. Dances that are not mine. They belong to Ronaldinho, Neymar, Paqueta, Griezmann, Joao Felix, Matheus Cunha... they belong to Brazilian funk and samba artists, reggaeton singers, and black Americans. They are dances to celebrate the cultural diversity of the world. Accept it, respect it. I'm not going to stop”.
"I come from a country where poverty is very great, where people have no access to education... and in many cases, no food on the table! I don't usually come publicly to refute criticism. They attack me and I don't speak. They praise me and I don't speak either. I work! I work a lot”.
"On and off the field. I have developed an application to help the education of children in public schools without financial help from anyone. I am making a school with my name. I will do much more for education. I want the next generations to be prepared, like me, to fight against racists and xenophobes”.
"I always try to be a professional and an exemplary citizen. But that doesn't click, it's not trending on the internet, nor does it motivate cowards to talk aggressively about people they don't even know”.
"The script always ends with an apology and 'I've been misunderstood'. But I repeat it for you, racist: I will not stop dancing. Whether at the Sambadrome, at the Bernabeu or wherever. With the love and smiles of someone who is very happy, Vinir Jr”.
Besides this, Real Madrid also made an official statement supporting the young player and declaring that every action against him will be dealt with in legal actions undertaken by the club. The statement wrote as follows:
“Real Madrid C. F. condemns all types of racist and xenophobic language and behaviour in football, sport and life in general, such as the regrettable and unfortunate comments made against our player Vinicius Junior in the last few hours. Real Madrid would like to express its affection and support for Vinicius Junior, a player who regards football as an attitude towards life through joy, respect and sportsmanship. Football is the most global sport there is and should be a model of values and coexistence. The club has directed its legal services to take legal action against anyone who makes racist remarks towards our players”.
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