Eden Hazard fears early retirement for Vinicius Jr amid racist abuse

Eden Hazard has admitted he could see Vinicius Jr walking away from football as early as the age of 30 because of the relentless racist abuse the Real Madrid star faces.

Speaking about the Brazilian, Hazard stressed how much Vinicius simply wants to enjoy the game, drawing a parallel with his own mentality as a player.

“He’s just someone who loves football, who loves to play, and who just wants to have fun. A bit like me when I was on the pitch,” Hazard said, before lamenting how the conversation around Vinicius has shifted.

Instead of focusing on his brilliance on the ball, Hazard noted that people now talk more about what Vinicius endures off it. “People forget what an exceptional player he is. It must weigh on him,” he added, suggesting it is no longer easy for Vinicius to step onto the pitch thinking only about football.

Hazard believes the repeated lack of serious sanctions leaves Vinicius feeling helpless. “It must be a burden; I wouldn’t be surprised if, at 30, he says he’s leaving, that he’s quitting football because, in any case, nothing ever changes,” the Belgian concluded.
​