Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho says he would have forced a move away from the club last summer if he had been in Vinicius Junior’s position.
The Brazil international was heavily linked with an exit from the Bernabeu during lengthy negotiations over a new contract. Reports suggested Vinicius’ representatives and Real Madrid had struggled to agree terms, while Premier League champions Arsenal were prepared to pursue the winger if he did not renew.
Arsenal’s interest appeared to encourage Real Madrid to improve their offer. Vinicius subsequently signed a new six-year contract, keeping him at the Spanish club until at least 2032.
Speaking before Sunday’s match against Sevilla, which Vinicius will miss because of a four-match La Liga suspension, Mourinho said he would have sought a move elsewhere.
“If I were [Vinicius], in his place, I probably wouldn’t be here,” said the Real Madrid manager.
“Last summer I would have forced my exit to a league, to a country, to clubs and stadiums where they’d respect him. But because he’s a Madrid fan, he has love for the club and the city; he believes things can always improve; he renewed, and he’ll keep that smile.
“I think there’s nothing or no one that can take that away, that joy for living and working. He’s a great boy.”
Vinicius joined Real Madrid as an 18-year-old in 2018 and has scored 129 goals in 385 appearances for the club.
Mourinho said the player’s decision to extend his stay was driven by his strong connection with Real Madrid.
“When he signed that contract, he signed it because Madrid is his home, and Real Madrid is his home,” he said.
“He’s one of the main sources of joy in that dressing room. What I said before was that I doubt I’d be able – as a player with lots of options – I doubt whether I’d be able to have his psychological strength to hold on.”
Vinicius has scored once and provided three assists this season. He featured in Real Madrid’s dramatic 4-3 victory over AS Roma in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
Mourinho indicated that Vinicius will retain his place in the competition and is expected to start against RB Leipzig on Wednesday.
“Right now the future of Vini is working more than those players who have to play every game,” Mourinho said.
“Without promising anything, I think on Wednesday [against RB Leipzig] he’ll start.”
