Thierry Henry hails Real Madrid’s Vinícius Junior over racism response

Thierry Henry has expressed admiration for Vinícius Júnior and his ability to achieve greatness and continue improving in the face of racism and other adversity.

Vinícius has played a big part in Real Madrid winning LaLiga and reaching Saturday’s Champions League final at Wembley.

The Brazilian during the season has repeatedly been the victim of racist abuse and this have been happening since he arrived in Spain five years ago.

“Right now, the guy that I saw before and what he’s become, well done, well done, because it’s not easy,” former France and Arsenal striker Henry told ESPN Brasil when asked about Vinícius.

“The racism part, getting kicked, getting booed, getting red carded when you are mistreated and still overcoming it and performing well, as we say in French; ‘chapeau bas’ [hats off].”

Asked if he was shocked by the ongoing racist episodes directed at Vinícius, Henry said: “No, unfortunately because I’ve heard it before and still do. Unfortunately, I will continue to listen until people act on this.

“So you have to work on yourself, like he [Vinícius] did, and try to see how you can get out of this situation. Mentally too, not just in performance on the field, but mentally. At one point, it looked like the guy was being booed for being mistreated.”

Henry also applauded Vinícius for never losing his joy and dancing for his goal celebrations despite continuing to be a target of rival fans.

“Yes, dance, dance however you want,” Henry said. “Dance, have fun, love and make us dream. That’s what it’s all about when I see a player like that. And now he’s playing, behaving and performing. You have to give him a lot of credit.”