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Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior broke down in tears crying as he discussed the extent of the racist abuse he has received while in Spain and the effect it has had on his passion for the game, admitting he has often considered quitting.
The Brazil forward sat down in the press room at Valdebebas before the Selecao's game against Spain on Tuesday, where he spoke about the insults he receives when he plays.
"It's something quite sad, it's something that happens here in every game, every day," he told reporters. "Every complaint of mine makes me very sad. But like all the 'blacks' who are in the world, it's a sad thing.
"This is something that is happening. Not only in Spain, but also in the world... It happened to my father too, they chose a white person over a black person. It is something that I notice, and I fight because they have chosen me... I'm fighting so that in the near future it doesn't happen again to anyone."
The Real Madrid player wore the national team's motto on his back, which reads: 'One skin'.
After 20 minutes, Vinicius broke down in tears as he spoke about his family and his feelings about the events that are happening around him. For around 40 seconds, there was silence as the Madridsta sobbed with pure emotion in front of the media.
Support from the players
After listing Athletic Club's Nico Williams, a Spain international from Ghanaian descent, as an inspiration for him, Vinicius conceded his desire to play football has been affected by the abuse.
"I feel supported by my colleagues and by the players. I hope and wish that the racism will decrease. All that remains is to work and continue on the path already started," he added.
"I've been watching this for a long time and I feel sadder and sadder, I have less and less desire to play."
Fighting for his Real Madrid future
After previously declaring that he would leave Real Madrid, Vinicius has changed his mind and believes doing so would let those who have targeted him win.
"I have thought so much about leaving here... Because if I leave here, I am going to give the racists what they want. I want to stay here, in the best club in the world, so that they continue seeing my face," he said, before later adding: "I'm going to continue, because the president [Florentino Perez] supports me, the club supports me... If I leave it would be a triumph for the racists."
Vinicius, who insisted his team-mates have been helping him cope with the situation, is ready to do the same for 17-year-old Endrick, who is joining the club from Palmeiras in the summer.
"I am very happy to accompany Endrick in the national team. He is going to do great things in football. He is maturing and is already achieving good things," he said of his compatriot. "To come here so young is important, because it is the best club in the world, but it is also complicated by the criticism and the pressure. But we will be here with him to help him."