Real Madrid ace Vinicius will captain Brazil against Spain at the Bernabeu | OneFootball

In a few hours, Brazil will lock horns with Spain in an international friendly at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu.

And, ahead of the game, journalist Mario Cortegana has revealed that Los Blancos’ very own Vinicius Jr. will be captaining Brazil in what will be a special occasion for him.

One of the faces of this Real Madrid side, Vinicius Jr. has had to withstand a barrage of racist abuse from opposition fans in La Liga in recent years.

Given the situation, leading his national team out at the Santiago Bernabeu will be a big statement for the Brazilian international.

Vinicius, thus far, has played 27 matches for Brazil, scoring three goals. With Neymar no longer in the picture, it is time for the Real Madrid ace to take a step forward with Selecao, especially with the Copa America looming in the summer.

And a strong performance against Spain, at the Bernabeu no less, would be a great way for him to make a statement of intent.

Breaking down in tears

Despite putting on a brave face on the field, the 23-year-old forward broke down into tears on Monday during the press conference ahead of the friendly match.

Vinicius got emotional at the press conference on Monday. (Photo by PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP via Getty Images)

“Verbal racism happens not only in Spain but also throughout the world. Every day I go home I get sadder. Nobody is supporting me,” he remarked.

“I just want to play football […] I’ve thought about quitting,” he declared.

However, further speaking, Vinicius iterated that he will continue to fight against racism and will not throw down his tools, saying:

“I’m not fighting against Spanish football fans, I’m fighting against racism in the world. I have never thought about leaving Spain, because that would be giving the racists what they want. I’m not going to leave the best club in the world.”