Vinicius Jr. appeared in the Champions League preview against Atlético Madrid and confirmed that his absence from the last Ballon d’Or gala was due to a decision by the club. He said that, with tomorrow’s game in mind, “Referees in Europe protect players who put on a show”. As for his future, “I have a contract until 2027 and hopefully we can renew it”.
Vinicius and a key match against Atlético Madrid
Tomorrow Real Madrid play the first leg of the Champions League last sixteen against Atlético Madrid, a unique match in which the Whites are playing a good part of the season. Real Madrid have just lost to Betis and lost 10 of the last 15 points in the league, which has caused them to lose first place in the championship, and they need to react if they don’t want to almost end the season.
The Brazilian striker has shown great enthusiasm for his first derby as a Real Madrid player in the Champions League. “I’m excited to play such a big game as this”. The Brazilian has been optimistic about the team’s chances, especially given the stage of the season they are at: “We’re coming into the best part of the season and we always play better at this stage”.
Vinicius and the referees
The Real Madrid forward has compared referees in Spain with those in Europe. He believes that in Europe they let more play, but that they also protect more the footballers who, like him, receive many tackles and kicks during matches.
Vinicius Jr has referred to the referees, and believes that in Europe there is more respect for footballers who are committed to attractive play. “Referees in Europe protect players who put on a show”.
As for LaLiga, he reiterated something he has denounced on other occasions: ‘Everyone protests, but when I speak up for the first time, they give me a yellow card’. As for his behavior, he acknowledges that ”I do things I shouldn’t do, I’m trying to be calmer, I’m only 24 years old and I hope to learn things until the last day of my career.
His future at Real Madrid
The Brazilian striker has referred to his continuity at Real Madrid, and although he has not been conclusive, he reiterates that he wishes to continue wearing the white shirt for many years to come. “I have a contract until 2027 and hopefully we can renew it”. He says that “all the people love me and I couldn’t be better anywhere than here”. “My childhood dream was to get this far, I can earn a lot more and I can go down in the history of this club. There have been great legends and I want to be with them”.
Absence from the Ballon d’Or gala
One of the big controversies of the season was the non-attendance of Real Madrid and Vinicius Jr at the Ballon d’Or gala when it was leaked that the winner would be Manchester City player Rodri. The Brazilian confirms that the decision not to attend was made by the Whites, not him. “I do what the club tells me to”.
As for not receiving the award, he has played it down and does not believe there is a plot against him. “People vote what they believe, I have my own thoughts.” In the future, “I will have many opportunities to win other awards.”
Vinicius is confident ahead of the match against Atlético Madrid, and hopes that the team will show its best side for the second leg and be able to continue on the road to a new Champions League.