Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho has admitted that, if he was placed in the shoes of Blancos star Vinícius Jr, he would likely have called time on his stint in Spanish football some time ago.
Attacker Vinícius has of course taken his place centre stage in the headlines across Spain once more over the course of the week to date.
After being shown a straight red card in Real Madrid’s victory over Villarreal last weekend, the Brazilian was hit with a heavy four-match ban as punishment.
The Santiago Bernabéu brass appealed the sanction, but were ultimately rebuffed, without their winger for upcoming fixtures against all of Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander and Valencia as a result.
Speaking during an exchange with the media on Saturday, José Mourinho was therefore drawn on the sensitive subject of Vinícius’ treatment since taking his talents to Spain as a youngster.
And Real Madrid’s headmaster did not hold back in his response, admitting:
“If I was Vini Jr, I probably wouldn’t still be here. I would have pushed for a move to a country where I’d be respected. But out of loyalty to Real Madrid and love for the club, he stayed.
“He believes things can get better, and he keeps that smile”.
Conor Laird – GSFN
