Manchester United star Casemiro has admitted he would not be surprised to see Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr leave Spain following the horrific racist abuse he has been targeted with. During a league game against Valencia at the Mestalla in May, the 22-year-old was left on the verge of tears after being subjected to monkey gestures, pointing out the perpetrators to the referee and later declaring Spain ‘belongs to the racists’.
Casemiro, who left Real Madrid after four years playing alongside his young compatriot in the Spanish capital, joining United in a £60m deal last summer, said: ‘I am glad that he is at Real Madrid, but it would not surprise me if he wanted to leave, that he wanted to dedicate himself to other things. It bothers us that there are still people like that. It is not the first time that Vinicius has complained, he complaints a lot. I think that La Liga has to take measures, because they can’t lose a player like that.’
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti believes Vinicius will not be forced to leave, saying: ‘Vinicius loves football and Vinicius loves Real Madrid. I think that he’s not really planning to leave, that’s not what he’s thinking here. His love for Real Madrid is so big that he wants to continue to play here, make history with this team and win titles for this club. Of course I’ve talked to him. Of course he’s sad, but he knows very well that he has the support of the whole world and not only the support of Real Madrid and his team-mates. He has received support from his rivals, from his international team-mates, from football legends, so in this respect he’s very calm. As I said, Vinicius loves Real Madrid, he loves living in this country and he wants his future to be related to this club. Obviously these things upset you, but his main idea is not to leave Real Madrid and the country. What he says is because he has certain feelings but what he wants is to continue playing for Real Madrid, to continue to work here, get better here and he wants his professional career to be here at Real Madrid.’