"Not a problem of color" - Former boss insists Spain is not a racist country, tells Real Madrid's Vini Jr to not get angry on the pitch
Former Spain boss Javier Clemente has insisted that Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. is not targeted because of his race but because of his personality. The Brazilian forward has been the target of vile acts of racism during his time in Spain.
Vinicius is one of the finest players on the planet. Since arriving at the club in 2018, he has helped Los Blancos win three LaLiga titles and two UEFA Champions League crowns.
Clemente, who managed the Spanish national team in 1996, gave his opinion on why the Brazilian has had to endure sickening abuse in Spain, saying (via GOAL):
"I would like him not to be so angry on the pitch. If he gets kicked, he should take it and keep it. In football, there are bad tackles or wrong refereeing decisions, but if you can't take that, you don't like it. He is a great player, but he argues with his opponent, he argues with the public, he argues with the referee, he argues with my sister."
Clemente concluded:
"I think that if the lad were to reflect on this, he would be a person loved by everyone. It is not a problem of color. We are not a racist country and that is very clear. What happens is that he has focused on it like this because it has interested him and I think that it is not good for him."
Vinicius Jr. has been in fine form for Real Madrid this season, scoring 12 goals and eight assists in 18 games. Clemente has endured less success in his career. The 74-year-old last managed the Libyan national team in 2021 and has averaged 1.11 points per game.
"The crazy calendar" - Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr blasts congested fixture schedule
After his recent hamstring injury, Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr has blasted the congested fixture list. The Brazilian star suffered an injury in Los Blancos' recent 3-0 win over Leganes.
Vinicius has been a regular for the reigning LaLiga and UEFA Champions League this season, making 18 appearances in all competitions. Despite his fine form for the side, the Brazilian blasted the amount of games he and other players have to play in a recent post on X, where he replied to his club's announcing his injury, writing:
"The crazy calendar……… TO RECOVER!🙏🏿." [Translated]
Vinicius Jr. came second in the 2024 Ballon d'Or rankings following his performances for Real Madrid last season. In the 2023-24 campaign, he bagged 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 games for the Spanish outfit.
