Mourinho says he persuaded Vinicius Jr to stay at Real Madrid after new six-year deal
Jose Mourinho told viewers on the Spanish television show El Chiringuito that he persuaded Vinicius Jr to remain at Real Madrid after the Brazilian signed a new six-year contract earlier this month, adding that leaving the club would be "not worth it." The comments followed confirmation that Vinicius had committed his future to the Bernabeu despite interest from abroad.
Vinicius, 26, entered the penultimate year of his contract at Real Madrid and therefore could have left on a free transfer next summer, a scenario that reportedly attracted the attention of Premier League champions Arsenal. Contract negotiations moved forward over an extended period before the attacker agreed to the six-year deal.
Mourinho, 63, who returned to Real Madrid in June for a second spell in charge, discussed his involvement in those talks on El Chiringuito. He said: "Vinicius has fallen in love with Real Madrid. The only thing I told him was: Vini, where do you want to go? You’ve only been in Brazil and you only know Real Madrid. You only understand Real Madrid when you leave. When you leave that’s when you realise what Real Madrid is. Don’t leave. It’s not worth it."
On the same programme Mourinho added his view of Vinicius’s development within the squad, stating: "I think what he has felt in terms of the group’s growth, the way we’ve been working and developing, has given him a very important feeling." The club confirmed the new contract will keep the forward at Real Madrid until 2032.
Reports during the negotiation period indicated the Brazilian sought an improved offer, which prolonged discussions and left his future uncertain before the deal was finalised. Those reports preceded the announcement of his long-term commitment to the club.
Vinicius is now preparing for the new season under Mourinho, who will be aiming to win silverware this campaign after two trophyless seasons. The pair will begin work together with the objective of translating the new contract and squad continuity into results on the pitch.