Vinicius Junior not thinking about leaving Real Madrid despite receiving racist abuse, says Carlo Ancelotti
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Updated 24/05/2023 at 11:39 GMT
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti says Vinicius Junior is "very upset" after being the subject of racist chants during his side's La Liga match at Valencia, but that he believes the Brazilian forward "loves" the club, and wants to "make his career" there. Vinicius' red card during the game has been rescinded by the Spanish FA, who have also given Valencia a fine and a partial stadium closure.
Ancelotti blasts La Liga's 'racism problem' after Vinicius abuse from fans
Vinicius Junior is not thinking about leaving Real Madrid despite being subjected to racist abuse, says head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The Brazilian forward suffered abuse during Madrid's 1-0 loss to Valencia at the Mestalla last Sunday, which resulted in the arrest of three people at the match in question.
The Spanish Football Federation responded by issuing Valencia with a €45,000 (£39,000) fine, and a partial closure of their stadium for five games.
Vinicius had been sent off late on during the encounter, but that red card was rescinded by the Spanish FA.
The recurrent racist abuse Vinicius has faced in Spain - this was only the latest incident - has led some to wonder whether the 22-year-old will stay in Spain.
But when asked whether Vinicius was thinking of leaving, Real boss Ancelotti said: "I don't think so. He loves Real Madrid. A lot of things have gone through his head but I don’t think it’s on his mind to leave.
"His love for the club is very big and he wants to make his career here."
Ancelotti was also questioned on whether Vinicius has lost his passion for playing in Spain.
"He has not lost it no," the Italian replied.
"He is very upset. But he knows he has the support of everyone, not just Madrid. It's unconditional support and it has even come from rivals."
Ancelotti invoked England when discussing how racism is treated in Spain, likening the latter to a "war zone" on matchdays.
He said: "Condemnation is not enough. This has been happening for a long time but still no action has been taken to put an end to this problem of racism.
"In England they don't insult you. They solved this issue a long time ago at the time of the ban from European competition. There are no police in the stadiums in England.
"Here it is like going into a war zone with police vans everywhere. They have taken drastic measures [in England]."
Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is among those to have backed Vinicius since the incident, as did Barcelona's Raphinha during the Blaugrana's encounter with Valladolid.
Pogba wrote on Instagram: "It's not the first time, it won't be the last either.
"But we must never let that pass again. We have so many examples and I think we all agree today that nothing has changed since then.
"If the institutions don't want to find a real solution, let's try to do it by ourselves, for ourselves. Vinicius Junior full support bro."
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