Real Madrid News
Benfica star breaks silence on Vinicius-Prestianni case – ‘If it’s true, I can’t accept it’
After a first leg that was marred by an alleged racism incident involving Vinicius Jr. and Gianluca Prestianni, tension will be high as Real Madrid and SL Benfica meet each other again this Wednesday.
UEFA is actively conducting an investigation into the incident to determine if the allegations of racism from Real Madrid are true.
Heading into this heated affair, one of Benfica’s stars, Dodi Lukebakio, offered his take on the Vinicius-Prestianni incident that dominated headlines last week.
Lukebakio hopes the racism claim is not true
Speaking to Pickx+Sports (h/t MARCA), Lukebakio offered a grounded take on the incident, sharing how he sees the entire ordeal as a black footballer.
“I’ve talked about this a lot with other people in the past, wondering how I would react if it happened to me, because we usually experience it from a distance,” he said.
The former Watford striker went on to suggest that there is also a possibility that Real Madrid are milking the situation and that what happened on the pitch was not how Vinicius claimed.
“It’s true that people talk and speculate, but in the end, we don’t really know what was said. Is it true, or was it an exaggeration to take advantage of the situation? I think it’s also possible that Real Madrid wanted to exploit this,” he added.
Finally, the Belgian attacker admitted that UEFA investigations end up deeming Prestianni a culprit of racism, he will be happy with the Argentine and will deal with it ‘face to face’.
“All I hope is that what he said is false. Because if it’s true, I can’t accept it. I’m against injustice. And any injustice deserves to face the consequences,” he concluded.
As things stand, Prestianni has been handed a provisional one-match ban by UEFA, although Benfica have appealed against the move and have made sure the Argentine travels with the team.
If the investigation finds Prestianni culpable, the player may face a ban of up to ten matches.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
