Barcelona star defends 'spectacular' Vinicius Junior

Barcelona star Raphinha has defended the character of Vinicius Junior after the winger received public backlash from fans last season.

The Real Madrid superstar made headlines after receiving racist abuse during a La Liga game in May 2023, during which offensive chants were directed towards the winger. Those in question were handed two-year stadium bans from any ground hosting Spanish top-flight fixtures.

Three Valencia fans were also sentenced to eight months in prison, while Vinicius admitted that the convictions were "not for me, but for all black people."

Brazil teammate Raphinha has come to the defence of Vinicius, claiming that he is a 'spectacular person' off the pitch.

"The Vinicius of the matches is completely different from the Vinicius in person," the winger told Catalan radio station RAC1. "When you get hold of him outside of football, you realise that they are completely different people. I've already seen many players who off the pitch are one way and on the pitch are another. This is normal in football, there are many players like that.

"I try to explain to everyone that Vinicius is not a bad person – he is a spectacular person, a very good person. He's younger than me, but when I got to the national team he was already there and he helped me a lot.

"We get along very well and I also often talk to him and tell him that it is not necessary to do the things he does on the pitch, but I understand it. Each person is different, he is like that and I think it gives him confidence on the field to do that.

"For example, Gavi on the pitch, in my opinion, is crazy, he's very annoying. But off the field he is an incredible person, loving, caring… Vinicius is the same. However, it's hard to convince people that he's like that when they see him in a certain way on the pitch. Only if you live moments with him will you see that I am right. He is affectionate. He is a person who is always joking, who is always smiling. It's difficult to see Vinicius serious, he's always joking."

Brazil are set to face Ecuador and Paraguay in World Cup qualifiers in September. Real Madrid head into the international break four points behind rivals Barcelona, having defeated Real Valladolid and Real Betis. Draws with Las Palmas and Mallorca put them behind Barca - who have won every game of the La Liga season so far.

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