Dani Carvajal spoke to the media on Wednesday ahead of Spain’s opening UEFA Nations League match against Serbia in Belgrade.
The defender spoke as it was confirmed that he was in the running for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. According to Diario AS, he admitted that he did not expect to win, although he is nonetheless grateful for the nomination.
“It’s clear that as a defender… In football, it’s the scorers who stand out. But well, with the possibility of winning it, I’m very happy, it refers to the great year I had last year. My family and I are very proud.”
Carvajal was also asked about Real Madrid team-mate Vinicius Junior’s recent comments about racism in Spanish football, with the Brazilian saying the 2030 World Cup should be moved out of Spain if things do not improve in the coming years.
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Carvajal attacked Vinicius
“Regarding Vinicius, I would just like to say that we are totally against any situation of racism in stadiums. I know what Vini is suffering and we support him internally and publicly. I think that the Liga is improving and protocols are being developed so that these people cannot return to sporting events.
“But beyond these people, I don’t think that Spain doesn’t deserve to host a World Cup. There is no doubt that Spain is not a racist country. Since I was a child, I grew up with many nationalities in my neighborhood, in Leganes. Spain is not a racist country.”
