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Vinicius Junior 'not considering Real Madrid exit despite racism storm'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 22 May 2023

Vinicius 'not considering Real Madrid exit despite racism storm'

Vinicius Junior has no plans to leave Real Madrid this summer despite allegedly being subject to more racist abuse on Sunday against Valencia, according to a report.

Vinicius Junior reportedly has no plans to leave Real Madrid during this summer's transfer window despite allegedly being subject to more racist abuse during Sunday's La Liga clash with Valencia.

The 22-year-old was sent off in the latter stages of what proved to be a 1-0 loss for Carlo Ancelotti's side following an altercation with Hugo Duro, and he said after the match that 'La Liga belongs to racists'.

Vinicius had stopped the match in the second period in a bid to bring the referee's attention to a section of supporters who had allegedly been racially abusing him.

The Brazil international has reportedly been the subject of racist abuse on a number of occasions in La Liga this season, and Sunday's incidents have led to fresh speculation surrounding his future.

However, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the attacker has no desire to leave Bernabeu, with the South American determined to "stay and beat racism in Spain".

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior gestures towards a fan on May 21, 2023 © Reuters

Vinicius's current deal is due to expire in June 2024, although it is understood that he has already agreed a new long-term contract, with an announcement likely to arrive this summer.

The forward has been in brilliant form for Los Blancos during the 2022-23 campaign, making 54 appearances in all competitions, contributing 23 goals and 21 assists in the process.

"Understand Vinicius Junior is absolutely not considering to leave Real Madrid - despite recent reports," Romano wrote on his official Twitter account.

"Feeling of those close to Vini is that he only wants to stay and beat racism in Spain. No other way. Also, new long term deal has already been signed months ago."

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior reacts as Valencia's Javi Guerra attempts to talk to him on May 21, 2023 © Reuters

"It is not fair that a poor boy who is winning in his life, becoming one of the best in the world, certainly the best at Real Madrid, is insulted in every stadium he goes to," Brazil president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva told a news conference in Japan.

Meanwhile, Brazil's Human Rights Minister Silvio Almeida said on Twitter: "The behaviour of Spanish authorities and of the entities that govern its soccer is criminal.

"It shows undeniable acceptance of racism. (Vinicius) I will be on your side to hold those that attack you accountable, but also those who omit themselves."

Real Madrid boss Ancelotti added after the match: "I asked him if he wanted to keep playing, and he stayed in the game. Vinicius is very sad, he is angry. Something like this can't happen in the world we live in."

Los Blancos will return to La Liga action against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday evening but will be without the services of Vinicius through suspension.