While serving a four‑match ban for hair‑pulling an opponent, Real Madrid winger Vinícius Jr. has Mourinho’s backing, with the coach hailing his love for the club and his mental toughness.
The Vinícius saga keeps sparking debate. Mourinho said Saturday he would have quit Real last summer if he were in the 26‑year‑old Brazilian’s shoes, mired in a confidence slump and a four‑match suspension. The winger has struggled to hit his best form in two years and endures repeated racist chants in Spanish stadiums.
A fantastic guy, I love him.
He’s also been booed by his own fans over the past two seasons for lackluster displays, and his fiery temperament sometimes earns warnings or red cards, like the recent dismissal against Villarreal for hair‑pulling.
‘Vini is a fantastic guy, I love him dearly,’ Mourinho told reporters ahead of the league clash with Sevilla. ‘I value how he survives this pressure with a smile. If I were him, I probably wouldn’t still be here.’
He stayed out of love for Real.
‘Last summer I would have pushed for a move to a league where opponents respect me,’ he added, ‘but out of love for Real and belief things can improve, he chose to extend.’ In my view, his loyalty outweighs any tempting offer.
Spanish media report the No. 7 has been courted by Premier League champions Arsenal, yet he elected to stay in Madrid on a golden deal running to 2032.
Suspended for the next four games, the Brazilian must use the time to work harder than anyone, Mourinho insisted. Real, sitting fourth, six points behind unbeaten Barcelona, host Sevilla on Sunday at the Santiago Bernabéu. Will his extra work pay off when he returns?