Vinicius Jr's Commitment to Real Madrid: Mourinho's Influence
Jose Mourinho told Vinicius Jr it simply “was not worth” walking away from Real Madrid – and the Brazilian listened.
The 26-year-old forward had drifted into the final year of his deal at the Bernabeu, a dangerous zone for any club and a tantalising one for suitors. By next summer he could have left for nothing. Arsenal, fresh from a Premier League title and hunting for an elite wide forward, were among those watching the situation with interest as negotiations dragged on.
Instead, earlier this month, Vinicius put pen to paper on a six-year contract and tied his prime years to Madrid. Behind that decision, Mourinho says, was a blunt, emotional conversation.
Mourinho’s message: ‘Don’t leave. It’s not worth it’
Back at Real for a second spell, confirmed in June, the 63-year-old has wasted no time trying to lock down the club’s core. Speaking on Spanish TV show El Chiringuito, he lifted the lid on what he told the Brazil international.
“Vinicius has fallen in love with Real Madrid,” Mourinho said.
“The only thing I told him was: ‘Vini, where do you want to go? You’ve only been in Brazil and you only know Real Madrid. You only understand Real Madrid when you leave. When you leave that’s when you realise what Real Madrid is. Don’t leave. It’s not worth it.’”
No grand sales pitch. Just the warning of a coach who has seen stars depart and later understand what they gave up.
Mourinho believes the work on the training ground has done the rest.
“I think what he has felt in terms of the group’s growth, the way we’ve been working and developing, has given him a very important feeling,” he added.
That “feeling” is now worth six more years to Madrid.
From touchline rivals to the same side
Only a few months ago, Mourinho stood in the opposite dugout. As Benfica manager last season, he faced Real three times in the Champions League, including a tense knockout phase play-off.
During the first leg of that tie, the match was halted for around eight minutes after Real players alleged that Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni racially abused Vinicius. The Argentine denied the accusations. Mourinho, then, closed ranks around his own dressing room.
“Prestianni was my player. That’s it. There’s no debate. If Prestianni is my player, 20 players can come at me and I’m still with Prestianni. End of story,” he said.
Uefa later investigated and banned Prestianni for three matches, with a further three suspended, for homophobic conduct.
Now, the dynamic has shifted. Mourinho insists Vinicius knows exactly where he stands with him.
“I think Vini now knows what side I am now on and knows he can look me in the eye and rely on me to be on his side,” Mourinho said. “Vinicius can rely on me to be on his side.”
From adversary to ally, from uncertainty to a six-year commitment, the new Madrid era under Mourinho has its statement winger locked in. The question now is what they win together.
