Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho insists that he would not have resented Vinicius Junior for "forcing" a move to Arsenal this summer.

The Brazil international is in the midst of a dire run of form. Vinicius has not been his usual self at pretty much any point during the season, and it is becoming a significant problem for Real Madrid, who have €125 million signing Yan Diomande waiting in the wings.

Mourinho considers Vinicius one of his "untouchables," meaning that he will play him even if he should probably give others a chance. In that context, the fact that the 26-year-old has received a hefty ban after his red card against Villarreal could be a blessing in disguise for the manager.

The next four games will allow Mourinho to experiment with different players without sparking the inevitable drama that dropping Vini would normally entail. It's a short-term boon, but it will ultimately only kick the can down the road.

The Vinicius problem will rear its head again upon his return - and it is a problem to which there is no easy solution because of Real Madrid's unbalanced squad and the decision to hand him a bumper new contract in the summer.

Mourinho: "I'd have forced a summer move"

All of this isn't new, of course. Vinicius has been a divisive figure at Real Madrid for years. He hasn't been the same player since he was snubbed for the 2024 Ballon d'Or, but at least he was previously still putting up impressive numbers to obfuscate unconvincing performances.

In recent weeks, it has become abundantly clear that he squandered the chance at a fresh start this summer. He had the opportunity to join reigning Premier League champions Arsenal, who would have made him the face of the best league in the world.

Instead, he opted to continue at the club where his own fans jeer him. Obviously, there is no guarantee that things would have worked out for him at Arsenal, but a change of scenery could have reinvigorated his career.

Even his own manager seems to agree. When asked about Vini at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's clash with Sevilla, Mourinho bluntly admitted that he would have "forced" a move in the summer.

"He's a fantastic guy, and it's easy to get along with him," Mourinho said in response to a question about the 26-year-old's character. "I spend a few minutes alone with him every day. I value him immensely because he always manages to live and survive with a smile.

"If I were in his shoes, I probably wouldn't be here," the Portuguese then confessed. "I would have forced a move to a country where I'd be respected, but out of loyalty to Real Madrid and love for the club, he stayed.

"He believes things can improve, and he still has that smile. Nothing and no one can take it away from him."

Responding to a follow-up question, he added: "When he renewed his contract, he said that Madrid is his home and that he's excited to continue making history and winning titles.

"He gets along well with everyone in the locker room; he's a source of joy. I had serious doubts about whether he had the strength to stay here, given all the offers he had."