Vini Jr opens up on contract renewal and his relationship with Xabi Alonso

Ahead of Real Madrid’s first leg game against FC Bayern in the Champions League quarter-finals, Vinicius Jr spoke to the press about a number of topics.

He addressed the return of his compatriot Militão, the managerial change of Xabi Alonso for Álvaro Arbeloa, and his contract renewal with Real Madrid.

What do you think about Militão’s return?

Vinicius: “I’m very happy about his return. He’s one of my best friends. He’s the best centre-back in the world and when he’s with us we’re better. When all the players are available we’re stronger. Now Jude, Militão, Ceballos are coming back…”

Anger with Xabi Alonso in the Clásico

Vinicius: “It was a moment that wasn’t nice, and I apologised to everyone. I like to play every match and I hadn’t been subbed off in any of them. Later, with a cool head, you can understand that you made a mistake. I’m young and every day is a new experience where you can improve.”

The fight against racism

Vinicius: “It’s a complicated issue and it happens many times. Hopefully Lamine can continue this fight as well. We have money, but poor Black people have more difficulties than we do. I’m not saying Spain, Germany or Portugal are racist countries, but there are racists in every country, and if we fight together hopefully other players and people will stop suffering these things.”

Does it bother you when people say there’s a lack of defensive commitment when you play with Mbappé?

Vinicius: “Of course it bothers me, but people are there to say whatever they want. We have to listen to the coach. What comes from outside doesn’t affect us. We can make each other better.”

Kane’s potential absence for Bayern

Vinicius: “It changes things because he scores a lot of goals, but they have a great team with players who change positions. Whoever plays, it’s going to be very difficult and we have to be prepared.”

How are you physically and mentally?

Vinicius: “Very well now. I’ve had difficult moments this season when I went without scoring and the fans whistled me, but it was all a learning experience. I’m physically well. The trips with the national team change things a bit because everything changes. I do work at the club and also at home with my physio to be 100% ready for my team.”

His connection with Mbappé

Vinicius: “People say a lot of things. Kylian is here to help us and gives us confidence with his goals. We have to be connected tomorrow. It’s a complicated match where the big players make the difference and Mbappé is one of them.”

Does Arbeloa understand you better? Were you disappointed with Xabi?

Vinicius: “With Arbeloa I’ve had a special connection, like I had with Ancelotti. He has always made clear what he wants from me. I’ve always given my best and I’ll keep doing so. I think I had never gone so long without scoring goals. I’ve learned from this bad moment and I want to keep learning. The best players always bounce back.”

Why didn’t you say goodbye to Xabi?

Vinicius: “I played matches but with few minutes. Every coach has his methods and I didn’t connect the way he wanted. But it was a learning experience, and hopefully I can continue with Arbeloa. I have a wonderful connection with him and he has always given me confidence.”

Will you renew your contract?

Vinicius: “Hopefully I can stay here for a long time. I still have a year left on my contract, but I’m very calm. I have the president’s trust. At the right moment I’ll renew and stay here for a long time, because it’s the club of my dreams.”

Why does the team sometimes lose focus?

Vinicius: “There are good days and bad days. Some days we’re more or less connected. That’s what happened in Mallorca. We were coming off the break and, as the coach said, if you’re not at 200% you don’t win matches.”

What is most important thing to keep in mind against Bayern?

Vinicius: “Surely the connection between the players and the fans, because that always changes the dynamic of matches at home and in the Champions League. A good team is coming, but we have experience in these matches and hopefully we can do things well.”

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