Soccer
Vinicius Junior is keen to extend his stay at Real Madrid beyond the end of his contract in 2027.
Vinicius has emerged as a key player for Los Blancos since arriving from Flamengo, helping them win LaLiga on three occasions and the Champions League twice.
But the Brazilian was linked with a transfer to the Saudi Pro League last year, with reports suggesting he could be offered a contract worth €1billion to move to the country.
However, speaking ahead of the first leg of Madrid’s Champions League last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid, Vinicius said he sees his future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“I’m calm because I have a contract until 2027 and I hope I renew as soon as possible,” he told reporters when asked about his future.
“I’m happy here, with the best coach, with the best fans, they all love me and I’m not going to be better anywhere else than here.
“I’m here to follow history and for everything the president and the club have given me. I have come this far, as I wanted to as a child, and I want to continue here.”
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) March 2, 2025
Vinicius has been directly involved in nine goals in eight Champions League appearances this season (seven goals, two assists).
He is now looking to reach double figures for goal involvements for the fourth straight edition of the tournament, while Cristiano Ronaldo is the only other player to have done so in as many as four seasons overall for Madrid (eight times in total).
Vinicius was tipped by many to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or after scoring in Madrid’s Champions League final win over Borussia Dortmund last June, but he finished second to Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
That decision prompted Madrid to boycott the prestigious awards ceremony, but Vinicius claims he is over that snub.
“People vote for what they believe. I have my thoughts,” he said.
“I never dreamed of winning the Ballon d’Or, when you’re close you believe it, but I’m going to have more opportunities.
“I’ve already won two European Cups and I’m here to win many more.”
Asked if it was his decision to skip the ceremony, he added: “I just do what the club tells me, they asked me to stay away and I was calm.”
Madrid and Atletico have faced each other in the knockout stages of the European Cup/Champions League in five previous seasons (1958-59, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17 – including two finals), with Los Blancos progressing or winning on all five occasions.
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