Vinicius Jnr’s attitude is labelled as a ‘mistake’ by Dani Parejo and claims the Real Madrid star must rise ‘above situations’ with other players in wake of Brazilian’s struggles with racism in Spain

Villarreal veteran Dani Parejo has criticised Vinicius Jnr’s attitude when playing for Real Madrid, but labelled the winger as a ‘spectacular’ player.

The Madrid talent starred again earlier in the week when Spain hosted Brazil in an international friendly at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Vinicius clashing with several players during the match. 

The international friendly was put on at the time when Vinicius continues to be a target of frequent racial abuse from the stands during LaLiga matches.

An emotional press conference before Tuesday’s 3-3 thriller saw the 23-year-old break down in tears as he was asked about the treatment he has suffered throughout his career in Spain.

Vinicius lasted 70 minutes of the match before being substituted having been involved in several boiling points with Alvaro Morata, Aymeric Laporte and Mikel Oyarzabal.

34-year-old defender Dani Parejo labelled the Brazilian as a ‘spectacular’ player but claimed some of his behaviour is a ‘mistake’

Vinicius Jnr clashed with several players during Brazil’s friendly with Spain at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday

34-year-old Parejo hailed the Brazilian superstar’s ‘extraordinary’ quality but questioned his on-pitch behaviour with opposing players and stated he is making a ‘mistake’.

‘He seems to me to be an extraordinary, spectacular player, with spectacular qualities. I have can’t imagine being in the scenario of being an important player on the best team in the world and having everyone praise me. 

‘But I think that we players have to dedicate ourselves to playing.

‘There are going to be clashes in every game. It seems that he is present in all of them, it is something to learn that he should work on,’ he added. 

An emotional press conference before Tuesday’s 3-3 thriller saw the 23-year-old break down in tears

‘When you play for Madrid there is always a special atmosphere, they always get into it with the players, people always try to wind you up. But I have also gone to grounds there and they call me drunk or whatever, and I don’t square up to people or make gestures. That’s unnecessary. 

‘The footballer has to be above these situations. In certain behaviours, he is making a mistake.’

Parejo previously came through the ranks of Madrid’s academy and going on to make five first-team appearances before leaving for Getafe in 2009.

He has recently extended his stay as one of LaLiga’s oldest players by signing a new contract extension until 2026.