‘Focus on playing!’ - Vinicius Junior told to ‘rise above’ abuse amid ongoing racism battle as Real Madrid star’s ‘behaviour’ criticised by La Liga great

Vinicius Junior has been the victim of racial abuse throughout the current season with Real Madrid and broke down in tears while on international duty with Brazil when quizzed about the situation. The Brazilian has also been in the headlines for a series of flashpoints on the pitch recently, including a clash RB Leipzig's Willi Orban in the Champions League and battles with Spain duo Aymeric Laporte and Alvaro Morata in a friendly for Brazil against Spain.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has claimed Vinicius is the "most persecuted player in history" but has also called on his forward to improve his attitude. Villarreal legend Dani Parejo has also been critical of the Real Madrid star's behaviour and has urged him to focus on his football, believing he's "making a mistake" in allowing opposing fans and players to rile him.

Parejo told Cadena SER'S El Larguero program, via Marca: "I think he is an extraordinary player, spectacular, with amazing skills. I haven't been in the situation of being an important player in the best team in the world and everyone flattering me. But I think we players have to focus on playing. There's going to be a battle in every game. It seems to be in all of them, it's a learning process that he has to work on. When you play for Madrid there's always a special atmosphere, they always pick on the players, people always try to pick on you. But I've also been to pitches out there and they call me a drunk or whatever, and I don't get in people's faces or make gestures. That's not necessary. Footballers have to rise above these situations. In terms of behaviour, he's making a mistake."

Vinicius is back with Real Madrid after featuring in friendlies against England and Spain. However, the Brazilian is unable to play for Los Blancos until their quarter-final Champions League clash with Manchester City after picking up a ban for a petulant yellow card against Osasuna. The booking was his fifth of the season and incurs an automatic one-match ban.