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Brazil star Vinícius Júnior expected to extend Real Madrid contract: how long will he stay in Spain?

Despite being the victim of ongoing racist abuse, Vini has moved to play down fears that he will leave Real Madrid and LaLiga.

JAVIER SORIANOAFP

Despite the vile racist abuse suffered at Mestalla on Sunday, Vinícius is 100% committed to Real Madrid and has no intention of leaving Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. Ahead of the game against Rayo Vallecano, manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media and played down fears the Brazilian could be tempted to move on: “Vinicius loves soccer and Real Madrid. His love for the club is very strong and he wants to continue his career with this team. I don’t think leaving has crossed his mind.”

Vinícius’ message of reassurance to Florentino Pérez and Real Madrid

AS has learned that Vinícius has reaffirmed his desire to stay in Madrd to his entourage, who have been seriously concerned about the ongoing racist abuse he has suffered and a lack of protection from referees this season. ESPN even went as far as saying that those within his inner circle had recommended that he leave LaLiga and Spain, something the player himself nipped in the bud in a meeting with Madrid president Florentino Pérez on Monday.

Pérez demands change to combat racism

Pérez went to great lengths to reassure the winger that he had the club’s full support, which has been made clear in a number of statements, including from the president himself. On Tuesday, Pérez demanded a change in “the refereeing structure” due to the belief that one of the main reasons for the ongoing insults, including those seen at Mestalla on Sunday, is because of FIFA’s racism protocol not being applied. Madrid also appealed against the red card shown to Vinícius in Valencia, which has now been overturned.

Vinícius “agrees” Real Madrid contract extension

Last summer, the Brazilian agreed to sign a new deal with Real Madrid which will keep at the club until 2027. The club are expected to officially announce the extension soon, which will be another show of support towards a key player. Vinícius is happy at the Bernabéu, where he feels adored by the fans and, although he has already won every trophy possible since moving to Spain, has no intention of stopping there.

The superstar of the ‘new’ Santiago Bernbaéu

His family and others close to him have already been told that he isn’t thinking about leaving. That includes Ancelotti, which explains his calmness when asked about it on Tuesday. Vinícius’ love for Madrid isn’t for show but is real, as anyone who knows him will attest to. His future lies at the new Bernabéu, as the superstar of Real Madrid’s latest sporting ‘project’, until 2027 at the very earliest. Vini’s going to be here for a while yet...

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