Vinicius Jr enjoying life under Mourinho as contract talks continue

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr said on August 4, 2026 he is enjoying life under new manager Jose Mourinho as he began pre-season preparations, speaking after his second day of training under Mourinho. He made the remarks while negotiations over a new contract remained unresolved.

The 26-year-old, described in the club reports as one of Real Madrid's most influential players in recent seasons, struck a positive note after meeting Mourinho and his new teammates. "It has gone very well, getting to know the new coach and the new players, and training very hard," Vinicius told Real Madrid TV. "Mourinho wants me to be as I have always been: happy, cheerful and playing my football."

Despite his relaxed tone on the training ground, Vinicius has entered the final year of his current deal and talks with the club are ongoing. Reports in Spain and England say negotiations continue while Arsenal are reportedly monitoring the situation. Real Madrid, according to those reports, are keen to retain him rather than risk losing him on a free transfer next year.

Since joining Los Blancos, Vinicius has compiled 128 goals and provided 100 assists across all competitions, figures cited by the club. He arrives into the new season after a demanding summer with Brazil at the FIFA World Cup, where the five-time champions suffered a surprise last-16 exit. Vinicius finished as Brazil's leading scorer in the tournament with four goals.

Vinicius emphasised the immediate priorities of pre-season and injury prevention in his comments to club media. "We have to prepare physically so that during the season we have fewer injuries and can count on everyone," Vinicius said. "It was a good training session and we all left very tired, but now it's time to rest for tomorrow. That's how pre-season is and we have to be ready."

With Mourinho beginning a new chapter at the Santiago Bernabeu, Vinicius is expected to remain central to the Portuguese manager's plans even as questions over his contract continue to dominate the headlines. The forward will continue pre-season training under Mourinho while the club and player pursue talks over his long-term future.