Jose Mourinho convinces Vinicius Jr to reject Arsenal for Real Madrid
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has revealed he successfully persuaded Vinicius Jr to reject Premier League champions Arsenal and sign a new six-year contract to remain at the Bernabeu.
The 26-year-old Brazil international had entered the final 12 months of his previous deal, alerting top European clubs to a potential free transfer next summer.
However, the lightning-fast winger ended speculation over his future earlier this month by committing to the Spanish giants until 2030.
Speaking on Spanish television, the 63-year-old Portuguese coach detailed his role in keeping the forward in the Spanish capital following his return to the dugout in June.
Mourinho’s emotional plea to his star forward
The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss explained how he urged the attacker to appreciate the unique stature of Los Blancos.
“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. Don’t leave. It’s not worth it.'”
Mourinho believes the recent growth of the squad and their ongoing development played a crucial role in securing the superstar’s signature.
Addressing past European controversies
The veteran manager also addressed an ugly incident from last season’s Champions League when he was managing Benfica against the Spanish heavyweights.
During a knockout phase play-off, Real players alleged that Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni had racially abused the Brazilian forward, causing an eight-minute match stoppage.
Uefa ultimately handed the Benfica player a three-match ban for homophobic conduct, though Prestianni aggressively denied the original allegations.
Mourinho defended his former player at the time but insists his current star can now completely trust 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.”
Rodri pursuit ends in Barcelona move
While securing their star winger was a priority, Los Blancos ultimately missed out on a marquee midfield signing this summer.
Spain captain Rodri departed Manchester City to join fierce rivals Barcelona in a £65m transfer after entering the final year of his contract.
The Real boss admitted that the midfielder’s hesitation during negotiations prompted the club to abandon their pursuit.
“We talked a couple of times and Real Madrid made him a good offer, but Rodri had doubts and his doubts made me doubtful.”
Concluding his interview, the outspoken manager stressed that the scale of his current club means they cannot accommodate players who hesitate to wear the famous white shirt.