Striker Vinicius Júnior does not intend to extend his contract with Real Madrid. The information was released this Monday, 24th, by journalist Mario Cortegana, from the website “The Athletic”.
The Brazilian has a contract with the merengue club until June 2027. The relationship with coach Xabi Alonso would be a decisive factor in the athlete not wanting to renew his contract.
According to sources heard by “The Athletic”, Vinicius Júnior informed the decision directly to the club president, Florentino Pérez, in a meeting held at the end of October.
The relationship with Xabi Alonso has been turbulent for a few months. In the Club World Cup semi-final, when Real Madrid were beaten by PSG, Vini Jr. played improvisedly on the right wing after an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold. The fact would have bothered the Brazilian.
Since that game, the striker has completed only five of the Merengue team’s 17 duels this season. In the classic against Barcelona, at the end of October, the Brazilian was outraged when he was substituted in the second half, leaving the field uttering several expletives.
Later, on social media, the player apologized for the episode. “Today I want to apologize to all Real Madrid fans for my reaction when I was substituted in the Clásico,” he wrote at the time.
“As I did personally during training, I also want to apologize again to my teammates, the club and the president. Sometimes passion overwhelms me; I always want to win and help my team. My competitive spirit comes from the love I feel for this club and for everything it represents. I promise to continue fighting every second for the good of Real Madrid, as I have done since day one”, he added, without mentioning coach Xabi Alonso.
At the beginning of the year, Real Madrid opened talks with Vinicius Júnior to reach a possible renewal. But the negotiations cooled down shortly afterwards. Still this season, rumors arose about possible interest from Saudi football in Brazil.
According to “The Athletic”, president Florentino Pérez has a good relationship with Vinicius Júnior and has tried to calm the atmosphere. Xabi Alonso himself assured that he has no problems with the attacker.
Still, “The Athletic” reinforces that Vinicius Júnior is firm in his decision. He will not extend his contract with Real Madrid while his relationship with the coach is at this level.
*Estadão Content
