Vinicius Junior broke down in tears as he told reporters the ongoing racist abuse he suffers in Spain is making him feel less motivated to play football.
The Real Madrid and Brazil star was speaking at a press conference ahead of Tuesday's international friendly against Spain when he was asked about the persistent racism he has to endure.
Last season there were 10 such incidents reported to prosecutors by LaLiga, with the 23-year-old most recently the subject of racist chanting by Atletico Madrid fans before a Champions League game against Inter Milan.
Vinicius has faced widespread criticism in Spain for standing up against racism and on Monday he revealed the emotional toll this has taken on him.
"I just want to play football but it's hard to move forward... I feel less and less like playing (due to the racist abuse)," Vinicius said, at times struggling to speak through tears.
"It never crossed my mind (to leave Spain) because if I leave Spain I give the racists exactly what they want.
"I will stay because that way the racists can continue to see my face more and more. I'm a bold player, I play for Real Madrid and we win a lot of titles and that doesn't sit well with a lot of people."
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