Mourinho reveals how he convinced Vinícius to stay at Real
According to Bbc.
Context
Vinícius Júnior, one of Real Madrid's main wingers, was at risk of leaving the club at the end of the season, but José Mourinho's intervention was decisive for his stay. The player, who stood out in La Liga, now has the opportunity to continue to grow and contribute to Real Madrid's success, while Mourinho looks to consolidate his second spell at the club.
Why this matters
Vinícius Júnior's stay at Real Madrid is crucial for the team, especially with his importance in attack and the impact he has on La Liga. The decision to renew the contract, after José Mourinho's intervention, demonstrates the confidence that the player has in the club's project and in his ability to compete at the highest level. Vinícius's continuity could also influence Real Madrid's performance in national and European competitions.
Main conclusions
- Mourinho reveals how he convinced Vinícius to stay at Real.
- José Mourinho explained that he told Vinícius Júnior that it “wasn’t worth” leaving Real Madrid, a factor that influenced the winger’s renewal.
- Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho told Vinicius Jr it was not worth leaving Spanish club - BBC Sport.
José Mourinho revealed that he played a direct role in Vinícius Júnior's continuity at Real Madrid, admitting that he told the Brazilian international that it was “not worth” leaving the club. The 26-year-old striker was entering the final year of his contract and was linked with a free transfer next summer, a scenario that alerted Premier League champions Arsenal. However, the winger ended up committing his future to Los Merengues, recently signing a contract valid for six seasons.
Speaking to the Spanish program El Chiringuito, the 63-year-old coach, whose return to command of Real Madrid for a second spell was confirmed in June, explained his intervention: "Vinícius fell in love with Real Madrid. The only thing I said to him was: 'Vini, where do you want to go? You've only been to Brazil and here. You only understand what Real Madrid is when you leave. When you leave, you understand. Don't leave. It's not worth it'." For Mourinho, the feeling of collective growth and the way the team has worked gave the Brazilian “a very important feeling”.
Mourinho crossed paths with Real Madrid three times in the last edition of the Champions League, then as coach of Benfica. In the first play-off game to eliminate, Real players reported racist insults from Gianluca Prestianni, the red winger, directed at Vinícius, which led to a stoppage of around eight minutes. The Argentine denied the accusations and Mourinho defended his player. UEFA would later suspend Prestianni for three games, with a further three suspended sentences, for homophobic conduct. Regarding the episode, the Portuguese coach stated that Vinícius “can count” on him to be on his side, reinforcing however that, as a coach, he always protects his athletes: “If Prestianni is my player, I am with Prestianni.”
After two rare seasons without major titles, Real Madrid are looking to regain the top spot. In this reconstruction, the name of Rodri, Spain's captain, was identified as a priority target, taking into account the midfielder's entry into the final year of his contract with Manchester City and his already expressed desire to return to Spain during his career. Real Madrid and Barcelona advanced, but the midfielder chose the Spanish champions, in an operation valued at 65 million pounds. Mourinho explained the "doubts" that made him retreat: "We spoke a few times and Real made him a good offer. Rodri had doubts and that left me with doubts. At Real Madrid we cannot have players who think twice before coming." Still, he left an ironic farewell: “I wish you luck. Not much, obviously. But I wish you luck.”
In his first cycle in Madrid (2010–2013), Mourinho won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. Now, 13 years later and after spells at Manchester United, Tottenham and Inter, he guarantees to return “more controlled and less emotional”, without giving up his competitive DNA: “I learn from mistakes. Experience helps. That doesn't mean I'm more bored — the DNA is the same.”
What happens next
With Vinícius Júnior now committed to Real Madrid for another six years, the expectation is that he will continue to develop under Mourinho's guidance. The team will focus on maintaining its prominent position in La Liga and European competitions, where Vinícius' contribution will be fundamental. Furthermore, Rodri's situation at Barcelona and other transfer rumors could affect the market, but Real Madrid appear to be focused on keeping their key talents.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Vinícius Júnior at Real Madrid?
José Mourinho revealed that he convinced Vinícius Júnior to stay at Real Madrid, telling him that 'it wasn't worth' leaving the club.
Who confirmed Vinícius Júnior's stay at Real Madrid?
José Mourinho confirmed that he had a direct role in Vinícius Júnior's decision to stay at Real Madrid.
Why is it important for Vinícius Júnior to stay now?
Vinícius Júnior's stay is important because he was entering the last year of contract
act and there was speculation about a zero-cost exit.
What changes occurred in Vinícius Júnior's career?
Vinícius Júnior committed his future to Real Madrid by signing a new contract valid for six seasons.
What was Mourinho's intervention in relation to Vinícius Júnior?
Mourinho told Vinícius that he would only understand what Real Madrid is if he left, advising him not to leave the club.