Jose Mourinho has said that he would have considered leaving Real Madrid if he were Vinicius Jr, citing the repeated racist abuse directed at the Brazilian winger and the treatment he has faced during his time at the Spanish club.
Mourinho was speaking to the media on Saturday, where he praised the footballer for his constant performance and maintaining a positive attitude despite the challenges he has encountered since joining Real Madrid in 2018. He described Vinicius as a talented player and credited him for continuing to smile and enjoy his work despite the different circumstances.
“He’s a spectacular kid who it’s easy to have a good relationship with,” Mourinho said about the reporters. “He’s a fantastic boy; tremendous credit to him for the fact that he keeps living and surviving and still having a smile. 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,” he added.
Vinicius renews Real Madrid contract despite challenges
While Vinicius has repeatedly been a subject to racist abuse from opposition supporters during his time in Spain, he went on to renew his contract with the side. The 26-year-old signed a new contract in the summer that runs until 2032. Mourinho acknowledged that Vinicius’ love for the club and the city played a significant role in his decision to stay. He also expressed confidence that external criticism would not take away the Brazilian’s enjoyment of football and his relationship with the teammates.
The comments come after another recent controversial incident involving Vinicius, who was sent off during Real Madrid’s victory over Villarreal last weekend. He received a four-game suspension following the incident, ruling him out of the upcoming El Clasico against Barcelona on October 25.
The suspension added to the scrutiny surrounding the Brazilian, whose performances and conduct have frequently attracted attention both on and off the field.
