Vinícius breaks down, says he’s losing desire to play

MADRID, Spain (AP):

Vinicius Junior broke down in tears yesterday while talking about the racist insults that he has been subjected to in Spain, saying that he is losing his desire to keep playing because of what he has been going through.

Vinicius spoke freely about his struggles fighting against racism on the eve of the "One Skin" friendly game between Spain and Brazil today at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, which was set up to raise awareness about racism nearly a year after the Brazil international was racially insulted at a Spanish league game in Valencia.

"It's sad what I have been going through here," Vinicius said. "It's tough. I've been fighting against this for a long time. It's exhausting because you feel like you are alone. I've made many official complaints, but no one is ever punished."

The Spain vs Brazil game is taking place just days after a new wave of racist and hate insults targeted Vinicius in matches in Spain.

"More and more I'm losing my desire to play," he said. "I'll keep fighting."

The 23-year-old Real Madrid player had to recompose himself several times after crying during Brazil's pre-match news conference at Madrid's training camp.

"I'm sorry," he said. "I just want to keep playing football. I want to keep doing everything I can for my club and family."

Vinicius said it would have been easier to quit fighting, but said he "was chosen to defend this important cause".

Vinicius said he hasn't considered leaving the Spanish league because of the insults, saying: "That would give the racists what they want."

"I'll stay here, playing for the best club in the world and scoring goals and winning titles," he said. "People will have to keep seeing my face for a long time."