Rabat – Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho has said he would have left Spain if he were in Vinicius Junior’s position, arguing that the Brazilian winger has not received the respect he deserves in Spanish football.
Speaking during a press conference on Saturday, October 17, ahead of Real Madrid’s LaLiga encounter against Sevilla, Mourinho praised Vinicius for his resilience and commitment to the club despite the difficulties he has faced.
“He is an extraordinary person, and it is very easy to build a good relationship with him. I admire him, and he is an incredible player,” Mourinho said.
The Portuguese coach also praised the winger’s ability to remain positive despite the criticism and challenges surrounding him.
“I have enormous respect for the fact that he manages to live and survive with a smile,” he added.
Mourinho then suggested that he would have taken a different decision regarding his future if he had experienced similar treatment.
“If I were in his position, I probably wouldn’t be here,” Mourinho said, explaining that he would have pushed for a transfer to another league and country where he felt respected during the summer transfer window.
However, Mourinho attributed Vinicius’ decision to remain at Real Madrid to his strong connection with the club and the Spanish capital.
He said the Brazilian chose to renew his contract because of his love for Madrid and his belief that the situation could improve.
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius’ four-match suspension
The Portuguese coach also addressed Vinicius’ four-match suspension following his red card during Real Madrid’s LaLiga victory over Villarreal.
The Brazilian received the suspension after pulling an opponent’s hair and protesting the referee’s decision, ruling him out of several important domestic fixtures.
The punishment means Vinicius will miss Sunday’s match against Sevilla and the highly anticipated El Clasico against Barcelona on October 25.
Mourinho reacted sarcastically to the disciplinary decision, suggesting he had expected an even longer suspension.
“I’m very happy because I thought they would give him more,” Mourinho said, referring to the four-match ban.
He suggested that the authorities could have added another one or two matches to the suspension following Real Madrid’s appeal.
Despite the controversy, Mourinho maintained his support for the Brazilian international, praising his determination to remain at the club and continue playing with a positive attitude.
Real Madrid will face Sevilla on Sunday, October 18, at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Vinicius unavailable due to his suspension.
