SAO PAULO – Brazilian right back Daniel Alves says he is subjected to racist insults from spectators during nearly every match he plays with Barcelona in the Spanish league.
Alves told the Brazilian Folha de S. Paulo newspaper on Tuesday that he is constantly insulted during matches.
"Unfortunately, I have learned how to live with it," he said. "Every match the crowd goes after me. They insult me, call me monkey."
He said he was shocked with racism when he arrived to play for Sevilla in 2002.
"I don't give it a lot of importance. I think you are only offended if you make a big deal about it," the 27-year-old said. "My family gets sad. They complain, but I try to distance myself from it."
Alves said clubs have been trying to act against racism in Spain, but he doesn't see a quick end to the problem.
"They punish the clubs sometimes, but it's uncontrollable," he said. "It will never end."
Alves is in Paris with Brazil for Wednesday's exhibition against France.
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