Vinicius breaks silence on his Real Madrid future before Brazil’s World Cup opener

Vinicius and 10 others.

The Real Madrid star has been confirmed as one of Carlo Ancelotti’s untouchables for Brazil’s World Cup opener. With the responsibility of being one of the leaders of the Seleção at this tournament, Vinicius faced the media to discuss the various issues surrounding a Brazilian team that may not be among the favorites but is determined to shake up expectations.

Brazil play in Group C and face Morocco in their opening game on Saturday June 14 at 6 p.m. ET. They then play Haiti on Friday June 19, before finishing up against Scotland on Wednesday 24 June.

What Vinicius had to say

Have you been following the off-field controversies surrounding the World Cup?

I think it’s a very delicate issue. We hope everyone can come and support their teams normally. Soccer is for everyone. I hope they can all enjoy this experience.

How do you see your role with the national team?

It’s a very important and special role to represent my family and my country at a World Cup, where I’ve always dreamed of playing. To be here after so much time, so much learning, and so much hard work, I just want to take advantage of the opportunity and show everyone that we can become champions.

What does playing in a World Cup mean?

I think the World Cup is different from every other competition. The last World Cup taught me that you have to be prepared and focused until the final minute because small details will determine your path in the tournament. I hope we can do things differently this time and come out on top in those key moments.

What is your opinion of Morocco?

Without a doubt, Morocco have improved a lot. They’re a team that prepares well for games and can compete with anyone. Soccer has changed a lot, and Morocco are an example of that. They had a great World Cup in 2022, although they lost the Africa Cup of Nations final. [Note that currently Morocco have been awarded the title, though Senegal have appealed.]

Morocco have an excellent team with players at some of the biggest clubs in the world.

Are you in a good place in terms of form and confidence?

I’m at the most special and important moment of my career. Physically and technically, I’m at the level I’ve always dreamed of reaching. I haven’t suffered any injuries this season. I’ve prepared extremely well to arrive at this moment.

Playing under Ancelotti gives me a lot of peace of mind. He gives me freedom and confidence to do what I’ve already done with Brazil and what I’ve already done at Real Madrid.

There are eight games ahead of us, and I can help change history for our country and for this group of players. I’m not even talking about goals and assists. I’m talking about playing well and giving the team the confidence it needs. It doesn’t matter how many goals I score. What matters is how far we go.

How are contract extension talks with Real Madrid progressing?

Right now I’m focused on the national team. I’ll discuss everything related to Real Madrid after the World Cup. At the moment, my only focus is my country, my teammates, and having a great tournament.

How competitive is Brazil?

We’re here to win the title.

We’re at the level of the top national teams and the best squads in the world. We have great players. We’ve improved a lot over the last few months.

At the World Cup, everything starts from zero. It doesn’t matter who reached the last final or who won the Copa América. What matters is what happens starting tomorrow. We’re here to make history and have a great tournament.

How far can Morocco go in this World Cup?

Morocco can definitely surprise people again, just as they did at the last World Cup. There’s Brahim, who plays with me, and Hakimi, who has just won another Champions League title. There are several other very important players in world soccer.

They’re making great progress. It will be a great match.

Are you a candidate to be the best player at the World Cup?

I’m not here to be the best player in the tournament. I’m here to take Brazil back to the top.

I’ve played more matches and have more experience than I did at the last World Cup, and I’m here to have a great tournament.

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