REAL MADRID
Vinicius Junior reveals delight at Kylian Mbappé link-up with Real Madrid
The Brazil winger can’t wait to join forces with new teammates Mbappé and Endrick at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.
Kylian Mbappé's long-awaited debut with Real Madrid has captured the imagination of everyone, including those inside the dressing room. In an interview with Real Madrid TV, Vinicius Junior spoke about his delight at linking up with the former Paris Saint-Germain superstar, as well as Endrick’s potential and his first few days of pre-season.
“It’s always difficult to join another club, but we’ve already seen it with Jude Bellingham, who came here last season and shone,” Vinicius said about Mbappé's arrival.
The Brazilian winger joined Madrid’s pre-season tour of the United States on August 1 and showed in the second half of the friendly against Barcelona he is already performing at a high level.
Preparation for the new season with Real Madrid
“I feel really good, happy to be back with the whole team, the staff and everyone who works with us. It’s time to focus because the first game (the UEFA Super Cup) is already a final. We are preparing and waiting for the last few players to join us to make sure this season is like the last one,” Vini explained.
The aim, of course, is to be 100% ready to win the first trophy of the season and start well in LaLiga: “I always train hard so I can quickly get close to the form I had at the end of last season. We don’t have that many days to prepare because on August 14 we have the UEFA Super Cup and then LaLiga starts, but we are already ready for that”, stated the Brazil international.
Vinicius is in the habit of posting how he keeps in shape during the summer offseason on social media, with a level of professionalism clearly influenced by the likes of former Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo: “I’ve been able to train a lot and do many things to get back to a good level. I’m still not quite where I was, but we are working to ensure we avoid injuries during the season and to always be at our best”.
Vinicius’ goals for 2024/25
At 24, the Real Madrid number 7 is already one of the team’s senior figures. And just like departed former teammates Nacho and Kroos, and others that are still around such as Luka Modric, the Brazilian’s desire to extend his legacy at the club knows no bounds.
“My goal is to win more trophies than last season, score more goals, provide more assists and continue to develop because I’m only 24 years old. I’ve been here for six years now, but I’ll never tire of watching Modric play for another year, and be able to learn from him and all the other players.”
“Amazing” Vinicius - Mbappé link-up
Vinicius is well aware of the importance of giving a warm welcome to new players in the dressing room, in the same way that legendary figures such as Marcelo, Karim Benzema and Casemiro did with him. The arrival of Mbappé won’t be any different.
“It’s going to be amazing, I hope we can do great things with him. We have to look after him and do everything possible so he can adapt quickly. It’s always difficult to join another club, but we’ve already seen it with Jude Bellingham, who came here last season and shone”.
Endrick “focused” on helping Real Madrid
In addition to the Frenchman, fellow Brazilian star Endrick has also joined Real Madrid. Vinicius has been in contact with the teenager since it was revealed in the winter of 2022 he would be moving to the Spanish capital.
“He is very young but he is focused and knows that he can help us when we need him,” says the elder Brazilian, who will be like a big brother to the 18-year-old as he adapts to his new surroundings.
Assessment of Real Madrid’s pre-season USA tour
Vinicius also had a message to the Real Madrid fans who have followed the team on the tour of the United States: “I love being here, I love playing here because we can’t always do it. It’s great to be close to the fans, who follow us in all the different cities. In the United States, people don’t follow soccer as much but Real Madrid is on another level. Wherever they go, they have a lot of fans and people who want to see us up close. That’s what it means to play for the biggest club in the world”.