Mourinho reveals how he persuaded Vinicius
The Portuguese confirmed he was involved in the Brazilian's new contract process, criticized referees and whistles from the stands, and said Real must not have players who hesitate.
The Portuguese confirmed he was involved in the Brazilian's new contract process, criticized referees and whistles from the stands, and said Real must not have players who hesitate.
José Mourinho has confirmed that he was directly involved in the process of Vinicius Junior signing a new contract with Real Madrid. In an interview with the Spanish show El Chiringuito, excerpts of which were shared by Fabrizio Romano, the Portuguese revealed details of the advice he gave to the Brazilian forward.
"I told him: 'Vini, where do you want to go? You've only been in Brazil and Real Madrid. Only when you leave Real will you understand what Real Madrid means. Don't go. It's not worth it,'" Mourinho recounted. He added that there were several phone calls with the Brazilian and that he told him: "Stay, I want you here, and there is nothing like Real Madrid."
Although he dismissed the claim that he alone was responsible for Vinicius staying, Mourinho believes the player once again felt a strong connection with the club. "Vinicius fell in love with Real Madrid. I think what he felt through the development of the team and the way we worked gave him a very strong sense of belonging. He is another player who is a joy to watch," he said.
The Brazilian had entered the final 12 months of his previous contract with the Spanish giants, meaning he could have left as a free agent next summer. Arsenal had been monitoring the situation and contacted the player's camp after negotiations with Madrid stalled during the winter. The Gunners were optimistic about a sensational transfer, and Mikel Arteta wanted Vinicius in his attacking line. However, the Brazilian ultimately signed a six-year contract tying him to the Spanish powerhouse until 2032.
Mourinho also addressed the treatment Vinicius receives on the pitch, particularly from referees. "I think people need to learn how to behave towards him, and I'm talking about referees too. Vinicius is a player like any other. You can't award a penalty to someone and then not award it just because it's Vinicius," he said.
When asked if referees respect the Brazilian forward enough, he was blunt: "No, they don't respect him. People have to look beyond whether they like him or not. On the pitch, you have to see Vinicius as any other player. It's just that he's better than the rest."
The Portuguese also doesn't understand the whistles Vinicius receives even at stadiums where he has had no conflict with the crowd. "What's the point of a stadium whistling one of the best players in the world if they have nothing against him? You play a friendly match, and people whistle at him from the first touch. We have to try to find a middle ground because watching Vinicius play is a privilege," he said.
In the interview with El Chiringuito, conducted by journalist Josep Pedrerol, Mourinho dismissed claims that he alone was responsible for the contract extension, insisting that the forward fell in love with Madrid. He particularly emphasized the Brazilian's work ethic: "Vinicius is another machine, it's a pleasure to watch him work. We have a lot of quality."
Mourinho also commented on the doubts that Rodri reportedly had about joining Real Madrid. "Real Madrid cannot have players who think twice. You get the call and you say: 'When do you want me to come?'" he told El Chiringuito.
Some fans on social media reacted to the story about Arsenal, which was mentioned in the context of Vinicius's contract. One user wrote that the Brazilian used the interest from the London club to secure better terms in Madrid, calling Arsenal a "small club from north London."
