Hazard on Vinicius racism: I sympathize; wouldn’t surprise if he retires at 30

Recently, Hazard gave an interview to RTBFsports, in which he discussed the issue of racial discrimination against Real Madrid player Vinicius Junior. 

He expressed his deep sympathy for Vinicius's situation, condemned the racism in football, and offered encouragement and advice to his young teammate, hoping that football could return to its pure form and be free from discrimination and prejudice. The following is the interview content.

Vinicius, you should know him well. You've seen what he's been through in the Champions League recently; this isn't the first time. There have been many incidents involving racism before. First, what kind of person is he, and what are your thoughts on this?

All of this, that young man, he's still so young, and he has so much on his mind before the game. Sometimes I think, poor kid, he knows he's going to suffer like this, and there's nothing we can do. So-called sanctions and such don't really have any real effect.

I think this might be a burden for him, I think it might be quite difficult. If he were 30 and said, "Okay, everyone, I'm leaving, I'm retiring, nothing will change anyway," I wouldn't be surprised. Let's keep our manners in check.

How do you respond to those who criticize Vinicius for being prone to clashes with opponents and spectators on the field?

As Vinicius's friend, I would tell him to stay alert, stay focused, and actually play freely on the field, but be careful, because everyone is watching you. So we all hope things can change, that there will be less racism in football, and that everyone can play football and enjoy the game. Let the real football fans speak up, not just those who go to the stadium to hurl insults.

In Spain, people always like to talk about Vinicius's celebrations, like dancing. But it's true, there's a proper way to dance; it has to be enjoyable, not offensive, and that all of us who play and watch football can appreciate it.

Like Ronaldinho, he dances too. But I don't seem to remember Ronaldinho getting into any trouble, maybe because he dances genuine Brazilian samba, the pure kind of dance.

Speaking of which, I worked with Vinicius for four years and witnessed firsthand how strong this kid is—physically strong, and mentally even stronger. Imagine playing for a top club, under so much pressure, and still becoming one of the world's top players—that's something not everyone can do.

So, I just want to say to him: I truly admire you, and please continue to bring us joy with football. But I also need to be a little careful not to give others anything to gossip about, like, "Look, he's here again." That's what I really wanted to say to him.