Vinicius Junior declared that he wants to stay at Real Madrid “forever” amid reports linking him with a move to Saudi Pro League.
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Vinicius will remain in Real Madrid “forever”
The declaration came after Vinicius scored a hat trick in Madrid’s 5-2 comeback victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday.
ESPN first reported that the Saudi Pro League had expressed interest in acquiring the Brazilian international.
It was also reported that Vinicius would wait until the end of the season before deciding on his future.
However, Vinicius himself stated that he wants to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“I’m still only 24,” VinÃcius said. “I want to stay here forever and contribute as much as possible to this team, which has given me everything since I arrived here.”
Pele comparison
Vinicius is among the favorites to lift the Ballon d’Or award on October 28.
Madrid director Emilio Butragueño had nothing but praise for Vinicius, even comparing him to Brazilian legend Pele.
“It reminded me of Pele. It is a magnificent goal. The way he ran, the way he faked to dribble past the defender. A magnificent goal. For those of us that love football, it justifies you coming here to the Bernabéu [Stadium] and that a player can offer that play that provokes a lot of emotion, including admiration.”
However, Vinicius downplayed his hat trick performance, saying his main goal is to win for Madrid.
“[Real Madrid coach Carlo] Ancelotti told me to keep it up, that I can always do more,” he said. “But we have to improve and play like this from the off, otherwise the coach won’t be able to take it.
“This is our competition and we want to win it again.”
