Real Madrid: "Vinicius doesn't have to change who he is"

Are they still talking about Vinicius' performance in the Clásico?

Yes, of course! Little by little, Vinicius is being set free and gaining confidence. He is very young but he has a lot of quality and above all, a lot of personality. His goal left me really happy.

Is it the only thing he's missing, that finishing touch in front of goal. Is it something he can improve on over time?

Yes, he can. I saw Vinicius at lot at Flamengo and he jumped from the Juveniles to the first team at just 17. That's not easy. He never played with the under-20s, which is a great place to learn. He made this great leap in Brazil without being 100% developed. Some things on the field you see him trying, improving... above all the finishing and the final pass. He will keep improving tactically too. You have to be careful with him.

And patience? Because of the memories of his tears when he scored against Osasuna...

He is a kid, 18 years of age, and he went to a giant like Real Madrid. You have to have patience. That day, he cried because of the release of pressure. But he has the personality to play at Madrid, always show up at one time or another. The Bernabéu likes this, he doesn't have to change who he is. Something similar happened to me at Madrid, I never wanted to lose my style.

You were left-footed and played on the left. Have they gotten rid of wingers on their natural side?

Yes, I was on the left and more comfortable there. Football has changed. In my day, there was Reyes, Vicente, Denilson... not you don't play stuck to the line. You don't see players like that anymore.

You also say the rise of Reinier at Flamengo. Who have Madrid signed in Reinier?

He has shown in a very short spell of time that he is a very interesting footballer. Last year, he came good playing at a very experimental Flaemengo side. He was very impressive with goals and some very important assists.

Does he remind you of Kaká?

I don't like to make comparisons (laughs)... But if there was one player I would compare him to, it's Kaká.

Why has Brazil become Madrid's favourite place in the market? 

It's normal. Football has changed for youngsters. I signed with Madrid in 1997 at 23 and they thought I was young. Now, it's almost impossible to sign a Brazilian at this age. The good players go to Europe at 17 or 18 because it makes it easier to adapt.

Did you struggle to adapt? 

Now there is more information. I arrived at Madrid in December. I left Rio de Janeiro and it was 40 degrees and I arrived in Barajas and it was 2 degrees. I had my swimming togs in my suitcase! I wanted to take the first flight back. You can imagine.