Before Real Madrid's Sunday match against Sevilla, manager Jose Mourinho said that if he were in Vinicius Junior's position, he probably would not still be at the club and would have forced a move away. The remarks set out Mourinho's view of Vinicius Junior's decision to stay.
Comments before the Sevilla match
FootballTransfers reported that Mourinho made the comments at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's clash with Sevilla. Mourinho said: "If I were in his shoes, I probably wouldn't be here. I would have forced a move to a country where I'd be respected, but out of loyalty to Real Madrid and love for the club, he stayed."
Mourinho's view of Vinicius
Mourinho said: "He's a fantastic guy, and it's easy to get along with him. I spend a few minutes alone with him every day. I value him immensely because he always manages to live and survive with a smile."
Mourinho also said: "He believes things can improve, and he still has that smile. Nothing and no one can take it away from him."
Contract renewal and staying power
Responding to a follow-up question, Mourinho said: "When he renewed his contract, he said that Madrid is his home and that he's excited to continue making history and winning titles."
Mourinho added: "He gets along well with everyone in the locker room; he's a source of joy. I had serious doubts about whether he had the strength to stay here, given all the offers he had."