Will Vinicius Jr quit Real Madrid over racism storm? Fabrizio Romano explains

Tom Hancock
Tom Hancock
  • 23 May 2023 12:57 BST
  • 3 min read
Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid, 2022/23
© ProShots

Vinicius Jr. does not plan on leaving Real Madrid amid the racism storm currently engulfing LaLiga, says Fabrizio Romano.

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During Real’s 1-0 defeat away to Valencia on Sunday, Vinicius suffered racist abuse from opposition fans yet again – with home supporters at the Mestalla directing chants of ‘Mono! Mono! Mono!’ (Spanish for ‘Monkey! Monkey! Monkey!’) at the Brazilian.

After the game, an understandably incensed Vini. Jr – who was sent off late on after clashing with Valencia’s Hugo Duro – claimed that the Spanish top flight ‘belong to racists’ – to which LaLiga president Javier Tebas responded by appearing to blame the 22-year-old.

READ: THOUSANDS racially abuse Vinicius Jr – LaLiga BLAMES HIM

In the aftermath of Sunday’s sickening scenes, there has been a flurry of speculation about Vinicius’ future – but, according to Romano, that very much remains at the Bernabeu.

“What I can tell you about Vinicius Jr. is that, from what I understand, Vinicius has no intention to leave Real Madrid in the summer,” the transfer guru explained in his Tuesday morning YouTube update. “Vinicius will not leave and Real Madrid will not sell Vinicius Jr, so there is no chance for this transfer. As of today, this is the situation; this is very clear.

“We heard some rumours in the last 24-48 hours because of the situation of Vinicius with racism in LaLiga – but, from what I understand, Vinicius’ mission is to fight racism together with Real Madrid, and the idea is to stay at Real Madrid.”

READ: New Vinicius Jr racism storm strengthens major transfer claim

Vinicius has been linked with Manchester United in recent days
© ProShots - Vinicius has been linked with Manchester United in recent days

A superb season tainted by trouble

Romano added that an announcement on a new Real deal for Vinicius is expected imminently, with the winger set to extend his contract until the summer of 2027.

The former Flamengo youngster has arguably been Real’s player of the season, with 41 goal involvements in all competitions (23 goals, 18 assists).

But he has regularly been subjected to racism at away matches this term – while there was a vile incident in January when an effigy of Vini. Jr was hung from a bridge ahead of Real’s Copa del Rey quarter-final against Atletico Madrid, allegedly by right-wing Atletico fans.

Spanish police announced today that they have arrested four people in relation to that incident.

READ: Messi, Tielemans, De Gea and the best players available on free transfers this summer

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