Is Vinicius Staying? Brazilian Sends Clear Message
Amid transfer speculation linking him to Arsenal, Vinicius Junior under Jose Mourinho hints at his plans at Real Madrid.
Amid transfer speculation linking him to Arsenal, Vinicius Junior under Jose Mourinho hints at his plans at Real Madrid.
Vinicius Junior has given the first hints about his future at Real Madrid, amid growing talk of a potential summer move to Arsenal. The Brazilian forward is currently preparing for the new season under Jose Mourinho and appears to be focused solely on the ongoing project at the Bernabeu.
In an interview with Real Madrid's television channel, Vinicius revealed what the new coach told him. "Things have gone well; I've met the new coach and the new players and trained hard. Mourinho wants me to be what I've always been: happy, joyful, and playing my own style of football," Goal.com reports the Brazilian star's comments.
Although his contract expires next summer and renewal has not yet been agreed, Vinicius is not putting that issue at the forefront. "We need to get physically prepared to reduce injuries during the season and so we can count on everyone," he added, clearly indicating that his intention is to continue wearing the white shirt.
Vinicius also described the grueling training sessions currently underway: "Yesterday we had a double session, and today just one. That's how it goes. Today we did some gym work and short exercises to strengthen the leg muscles. It was a good session, and we all left very tired, but now it's time to rest and prepare for tomorrow. That's how it is in preseason, and we have to be ready."
While Vinicius builds his relationship with Mourinho, two of his recent club teammates have left Madrid. Fulham announced on Monday that they have signed Gonzalo Garcia (22) and Cesar Palacios (21) on five-year contracts.
Garcia, who scored 13 goals in 51 appearances for Real's first team and won the Champions League and La Liga in 2024, was brought in for a fee that British media estimate at around £34 million ($45 million). Palacios, who made seven appearances for the senior squad, arrived in a deal valued at an estimated £8.5 million, with his contract running until June 2031 and an option for a further year.
Both will work again in London with Alvaro Arbeloa, who took over Real's first team from Xabi Alonso in January and moved to Fulham in July. Fulham opens the new Premier League season on August 24 with a home match against Chelsea.
