Mourinho Suggests Vinicius Junior Should Have Left Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho, the coach of Real Madrid, said on Saturday that if he were Vinicius Junior, he would have left the club this summer. Vinicius, a Brazilian winger, was recently banned for four matches after being sent off for hair pulling during a game against Villarreal. This suspension means he will miss the important match against Barcelona on October 25.

Mourinho praised Vinicius, calling him a “spectacular kid” and noted how he has dealt with challenges, including regular racial abuse from fans. Mourinho said, “If it were me in his place, probably I wouldn’t be here. In this last summer, I would have forced an exit to a league, a country, to somewhere there are rival clubs and stadiums that respect him.”

Despite these challenges, Vinicius signed a new contract with Real Madrid that lasts until 2032. Mourinho acknowledged that Vinicius loves the club and believes things can improve, which is why he chose to stay. Mourinho added that no one can take away Vinicius’s joy of playing and being with his teammates.

Vinicius has struggled to regain his form, which helped him win the Champions League twice in the past. Mourinho expressed relief that Vinicius’s ban was only four matches, as he expected it could have been longer.

Real Madrid is facing pressure in La Liga as they aim to catch up to league leaders Barcelona, who have won every match this season. Mourinho and the club have criticized referees for some disappointing results, including a recent derby loss to Atletico Madrid.

Recently, Real Madrid called for the resignation of La Liga president Javier Tebas after he made controversial comments comparing the club’s actions to Nazi propaganda. Mourinho stated that there are limits to what can be excused in such discussions and emphasized the importance of maintaining the league’s reputation.