Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho said he would likely have pushed for a transfer had he been in Vinicius Junior’s position, arguing that the Brazilian winger has not received sufficient respect in LaLiga despite his standing at the club.

Key takeaways

• Mourinho believes Vinicius would be more highly valued in another domestic competition.
• The manager said he personally would have sought an exit during the previous summer transfer window.
• Vinicius chose to remain in Madrid because of his attachment to both the club and the city.
• The Brazil international signed a new contract after discussions with Mourinho and president Florentino Perez.
• Arsenal had been strongly linked with a move for the player as his prior deal approached its final months.

Mourinho backs Vinicius’s decision to stay

Mourinho said that, in comparable circumstances, he would probably no longer be at Real Madrid. He suggested that he would have attempted to secure a move to a different league last summer, where rival clubs and opposing supporters would have shown greater appreciation.

“If I were in his position, I would probably not still be here,” Mourinho said. “Last summer, I would probably have forced my way out to another league, where I would have been respected by other clubs and opposition fans.”

However, Mourinho said Vinicius has taken a different view because of his affection for Real Madrid and the Spanish capital. The winger still believes the situation can improve, the manager said, and has remained positive after extending his stay.

“But because of his love for the club and the city, he believes things can still improve,” Mourinho said. “He extended his contract and continues to smile.”

Contract renewal ends Arsenal speculation

Vinicius was widely associated with a potential summer switch to Arsenal as he moved into the closing months of his previous agreement. The prospect of a contract expiry had put his future under increased scrutiny.

Instead, the Brazilian winger committed to a new Real Madrid deal following talks involving Mourinho and club president Florentino Perez, keeping him at the Spanish club despite interest from the Premier League side.