Former Real Madrid defender Julio Cesar has said that star forward Vinicius Jr. is a source of pride for Brazil, adding that he is quite impressed with his compatriot’s fight against racism.
Vinicius has been the epicentre of football’s fight against racism and the Brazil international has always called for harsher punishment for the offence. The 23-year-old recently took centre stage after AC Milan’s Mike Maignan was subjected to racial abuse in Italian Serie A.
Over the years, the Real Madrid forward has led the fight with pride and his club has always supported him in that regard. Speaking about the Brazilian, Cesar was quoted by MARCA as saying,
“Vini is a source of pride for Brazil. We are amazed at how, with the globality that there are, episodes pass like those he suffers. He has taken up the flag of the fight against racism.”
Julio Cesar on Militao, Rodrygo and Endrick
It is to be noted that Real Madrid announced the contract renewal of Eder Militao in the midst of his injury and Cesar acknowledges that with pride.
Cesar played as a centre-back for Real Madrid in the early 2000s, having joined the team in 1999 after a successful tenure with Real Valladolid. During his first season under Vicente Del Bosque, Real Madrid won the eighth European Cup.
Unfortunately, later on, he faced challenges, including tearing his cruciate ligament, a situation similar to Militao, whom he admires and praises.
“I am very happy for Militao and his renewal. At a time when you have been seriously injured, it means tremendous confidence.
“For me, he is one of the best centre-backs in the world and I am sure that he will come back stronger. I also broke my cruciate and then I felt that he came back stronger.”
Cesar also explained how difficult it is to represent Real Madrid, saying, “It is very complicated because you often defend alone. His performance in the team has a lot of merit.”
Meanwhile, Cesar also had words reserved for the likes of Rordygo and Endrick, adding that he is excited to see how the latter performs for Real Madrid.
“He [Rodrygo] is a player that I love. I am sure that he is going to be one of the best players in the world because he has a great future ahead of him. He is lucky for Real Madrid to have him and Vinicius.”
“He [Endrick] is a very good player. I look forward to seeing how he performs at Real Madrid.”