This weekend, former Sevilla FC and Brazil player Pintinho called Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior a ‘clown’ and a ‘provocateur’
Insults related to the 23-year-old’s fight against racist insults. Although he was condemned in Spain, Brazil and elsewhere, Pintinho walked back his comments.
Speaking to Radio MARCA, Pintinho returned to his previous comments. A few days ago I said that Vinicius was a bit of a clown. Here, people support me. The kids don’t support me, but those who know football know that I tell the truth. I don’t like some of his attitudes.”
“Endrick is not Pelé”
Pintinho also refuted Vinicius’ previous comments that Spain was a racist country. The 69-year-old is convinced of the opposite.. “I have nothing against Vinicius. I want him to grow up again, but I didn’t like him saying that Spain is a racist country. I have been here for 45 years and Spain is not a racist country. If he is not happy in Spain, let him leave. Whether he goes to England or elsewhere.”
The oft-criticised Vinicius was not the only Real Madrid player in Pintinho’s sights. He was also very harsh on Endrick Felipe, who will join the Santiago Bernabéu this summer, and in particular the media comparisons between the 17-year-old and Brazilian legend Pelé.
“He’s a player who hasn’t done anything in football yet. The press is what it is, we talk a lot about players. The other day, I saw that he was being compared to Pelé… He has qualities, but the comparison with Pelé is very strong.”
