Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has vowed to keep his goal dancing celebrations as they show "the happiness of a black Brazilian in Europe".
The talented 22-year-old was targeted with a racist slur by agent Pedro Bravo, who said during an El Chiringuito discussion of the Brazil international that "in Spain, you have to respect rivals and stop playing the monkey".
Following a backlash alleging that this was a racist stereotype, Bravo has subsequently apologised on social media by claiming that he misused a metaphor. It has opened a discussion across Spain and further afield of the language and attitude applied towards footballers with racial undertones.
Vinicius – who has bagged five goals this season – has since received a wave of support from across football. Neymar wrote on Twitter : "Dribble, dance and be you! Happy just the way you are. Go for it my boy, next goal we dance." Rayo Vallecano and Colombia striker Radamel Falcao said that the duo were "together until the end".
Brazil legend Pele added on Twitter: "Football is joy. It's a dance. It's a real party. Although racism still exists, we will not allow that to stop us from continuing to smile." A statement from Real Madrid added that they condemned "regrettable and unfortunate comments made against our player" and would take legal action against anyone making racist comments towards members of their squad. The Brazilian Football Federation called for "dancing, dribbling and above all respect" in a statement of solidarity.
Vinicius has now posted the following message on social media in a firm rebuttal of the criticism in a show of defiance that he will continue to celebrate his goals by dancing:
Have Your Say! What do you think of Vinicius's statement ? Tell us what you think here.
"As long as the colour of the skin is more important than the brightness of the eyes, there will be war. I have that phrase tattooed onto my body. I have that thought permanently in my head. That is the attitude and the philosophy that I try to put into practice in my life. They say that happiness bothers others. The happiness of a victorious black Brazilian in Europe bothers them much more.
"But my desire to win, my smile and the sparkle in my eyes are much bigger than that. You can't even imagine it. I was a victim of xenophobia and racism in a single statement. But that did not start yesterday.
"Weeks ago they began to criminalise my dances. Dances that are not mine. They belong to Ronaldinho, Neymar, [Lucas] Paqueta, [Antoine] Griezmann, Joao Felix, Matheus Cunha... they belong to Brazilian funk and samba artists, reggaeton singers, and black Americans. They are dances to celebrate the cultural diversity of the world. Accept it, respect it. I'm not going to stop dancing.
"I come from a country where poverty is everywhere, where people have no access to education... and in many cases, no food on the table! I don't usually come publicly to refute criticism. They attack me and I don't speak. They praise me and I don't speak either. I work! I work a lot.
"On and off the pitch. I have developed an application to help the education of children in public schools without financial help from anyone. I am making a school with my name. I will do much more for education. I want the next generations to be prepared, like me, to fight against racists and xenophobes.
"I always try to be a professional and an exemplary citizen. But that doesn't click, it's not trending on the internet, nor does it motivate cowards to talk aggressively about people they don't even know.
"The script always ends with an apology and "I've been misunderstood. But I repeat it for you, racist:
"I will not stop dancing. Whether at the Sambadrome, at the Bernabeu or wherever.
"With the love and smiles of someone who is very happy,
"Vini Jr. #BAILAVINIJR."
