Brazil rising star Vinicius Junior revealed he chose the “best project” when opting for Real Madrid over Barcelona. The Catalan club offered the Brazilian more money, but the forward decided to join their rivals Los Blancos. The former Flamengo forward was a hot shot during his time in Brazil with Real Madrid having to cough up 45 million euros even when he is not yet 18.
The Brazilian forward, 18, signed for LaLiga giants Madrid in May 2017 before officially making the move from Flamengo in July last year. Vinicius said Barca had offered him more money, but his decision was based on what he felt was a better move.
“My father never told me of interest until Barcelona and Real Madrid,” he told Cadena SER. “Then we visited both clubs and liked them both. “Barcelona wanted to pay more, but we wanted the best project and Marcelo and Casemiro spoke to me and helped me decide.”
Vinicius suffered an ankle injury earlier this month and is set to be sidelined until May in a blow for Madrid. The teenager must wait to feature under Zinedine Zidane, back at the helm after replacing Santiago Solari, and Vinicius said he could already see the differences between the two coaches.
Despite being at Real Madrid for less than a year, Vinicius Jr has worked under three different coaches. Julen Lopetegui, Santiago Solari and Zinedine Zidane have all had an impact on the young Brazilian in various ways. When asked about if he felt down when Lopetegui left the club, the youngster admitted he was sad about the situation: “Yes, because he helped a lot in pre-season and he (Lopetegui) was my first coach in Europe,” he told Cadena SER.
Under Solari was when Vinicius began to show his real quality, something he is the first to acknowledge: “Solari gave me the chance to play, to do my job and I have a bigger affection for him,” Vinicius said. “He told me that, due to playing well at Castilla, I would play in the first team. “Later, When I arrived in the first team, he gave me the chance that he promised,” he stated.
With Zidane having only just rejoined the club, the teenager has yet to have the chance to create a particular bond with the Frenchman but is positive about him.
“I’ve watched videos on Zidane as a player and he was incredible. “Casemiro told me that, when Zidane spoke, he would get a bit nervous. “It is quite different how Zidane speaks compared to Solari. He is a legend, he won everything and he is special. “To me, he said to be calm about the injury in order to return stronger,” he said.
Vinicus has exploded onto the scene at Real Madrid, and he himself admits that things have moved rapidly. At just 18, he was relied on as the major attacking threat in the absence of senior players in the team: “It’s all been very fast,” he confessed. “Marcelo and Casemiro told me that everything here happens fast. “Nobody thought I would play outside of Brazil.”
Injury has ruled the Brazilian out for much of what remains of the season, but he says he is making progress, and he is hopeful he can get back to pitch again before the season is over.
“I’m slowly getting better,” he revealed. “We’re working to get back as soon as possible. I cried with the pain, as I did at the match. “I hope to play again before the end of the season, I’ll have an idea on Wednesday but I will try to get back as soon as possible.”
Real Madrid are set to face face Huesca following the conclusion of the international break.
