Vinicius in Mourinho's Rhythm, Contract Hangs in the Balance
The Brazilian forward reveals details of his first conversation with Real's new coach, while contract extension talks continue behind the scenes and Arsenal lurks.
The Brazilian forward reveals details of his first conversation with Real's new coach, while contract extension talks continue behind the scenes and Arsenal lurks.
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. (26) is adapting to life under new manager Jose Mourinho with a smile on his face, even as uncertainty over his future at the Santiago Bernabeu grows. After the second day of preseason training, the Brazilian gave a positive assessment of working with the Portuguese tactician on Real Madrid TV.
"Getting to know the new coach and the new players is going very well, and we're training very hard. Mourinho wants me to be what I've always been: happy, cheerful, and playing my football," said Vinicius.
Vinicius also revealed details of his first conversation with Mourinho, who made a clear request of him. "Mourinho asked me to be: happy, cheerful, and to play football in my own style," the forward relayed. The focus is now on physical preparation for the new season, especially after a demanding summer spent with the Brazilian national team at the 2026 World Cup.
"We need to get physically ready so that we have fewer injuries during the season and can count on everyone. It was a good training session, and we all left very tired, but now it's time to rest. That's what preseasons are like, and we have to be ready," added Vinicius, who scored four goals at the World Cup and was Brazil's top scorer.
Vinicius's cheerful demeanor, however, masks a potentially delicate situation brewing behind the scenes. He is in the final year of his contract with Real Madrid, and Spanish and British media report that the club and player are still in negotiations, while Premier League champions Arsenal are exploring a potential transfer.
Vinicius has scored 128 goals and provided 100 assists for Real Madrid, and the club is unwilling to let one of their most valuable players leave for free next year. According to media reports, Vinicius is expected to meet with Real's executives in the coming hours to resolve the contract extension issue. Without a deal, Real Madrid could be forced to sell the Brazilian this summer.