Ex-Real star fears Vini Jr could retire at 30 | OneFootball

Eden Hazard analyzed the mental aspect of Vini Jr, who has been suffering from racist attacks in Spain

Vini Jr has been playing for Real Madrid (ESP) since 2018. At the Spanish club, the Flamengo youth product has been subjected to discriminatory attacks. The persecution might lead the athlete to mentally break down and retire prematurely, according to former player Eden Hazard, a former forward for the Madrid team.

— He (Vini) has so many things on his mind before a match that sometimes I think: ‘poor guy’. He knows he will go through all this, that almost nothing happens in terms of sanctions. It must be a burden’. I wouldn’t be surprised if, at 30, he says he’s going to retire, that he’s going to quit football, because, anyway, nothing changes. He is simply someone who loves football and just wants to have fun. A bit like me when I was on the field — said the Belgian, in an interview with the broadcaster ‘RTBF’.

— People talk more about what he does or what he suffers than about what he contributes on the field. People forget the exceptional player he is. That must weigh on him. It must not be easy to step onto the field to play a match and think only about football. When you dance, dance in a way that makes people like you. Ronaldinho also danced, and I don’t remember seeing all these stories — he added.

WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH VINI IN SPAIN, AFTER ALL?

Currently 25 years old, Vini has already been the target of “monkey” chants from fans and even players on the fields of Spain and Europe. As highlighted by Hazard, there is practically no punishment for the offenders. Despite all the prejudice and unfortunate attacks, the young talent revealed by Flamengo manages to ‘take it in stride’ and shines on the field.

Last Wednesday (11), Vini stood out in Real Madrid's 3-0 victory over Manchester City (ENG) in the Champions League round of 16. The competition is even the forward's favorite, as he is a two-time champion of the tournament, scoring in each final.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.