Mourinho Would Have Forced Exit in Vinícius Jr’s Shoes After Arsenal Interest

José Mourinho has admitted he would have forced a move away from Real Madrid if he were in Vinícius Júnior's position, and praised the Brazilian’s loyalty for staying at the club, speaking in his press conference before hosting Sevilla on Sunday.

Vinícius was one of the most-talked about players of the summer transfer window, with Arsenal among the clubs desperate to welcome him to the side.

Mikel Arteta made Vinícius his top target on the left wing after missing out on Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, and Arsenal were reportedly prepared to offer him the biggest contract in the club’s history, with a British-record transfer fee also likely to be required. With his contract due to expire in 2027 and talks over a new deal stalled, the Gunners were said to have finalised an offer worth in the region of €145 million.

Arsenal went to great lengths to convince him. The club’s owners became personally involved, contacting his agency, Roc Nation, to present their sporting and financial project, whilst sporting director Andrea Berta opened discussions with his representatives and Arteta spoke to Vinícius directly about his vision.

There were even claims that personal terms had been agreed in principle. However, Mourinho was said to be firmly against a sale, and Vinícius eventually met Real Madrid officials at the club’s Valdebebas training ground, where an agreement was reportedly reached for him to stay. He went on to sign a new contract.

Asked how he manages the forward’s character, Mourinho described Vinícius as a fantastic person who is easy to work with, revealing that he spends time with him alone every day. However, he also suggested that the Brazilian’s situation in Spain has been far from easy.

He said, ‘I value him immensely because he always manages to live and survive with a smile. If I were in his shoes, I probably wouldn’t be here. I would have forced a move to a country where he’d be respected, but out of loyalty to Real Madrid and love for the club, he stayed.’

Vinícius has been the target of repeated racist abuse in Spanish football in recent years, and has spoken out on several occasions about the treatment he has received. Mourinho insisted the 26-year-old still believes things can improve, adding that nothing and no one can take away his smile.

The Portuguese also addressed the new contract, explaining that by signing it, Vinícius had committed to Madrid as his home and to continuing to win trophies. He admitted that, given the number of offers on the table, he had doubts over whether the winger would have the strength to stay.

Mourinho was also asked about Vinícius’ recent display against Roma, in which he endured a difficult evening before being substituted. He placed much of the blame on Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who he said deliberately targeted Vinícius’s flank. Mourinho admitted the Brazilian should not have reacted the way he did, but played down the incident and suggested he was likely to start in the Champions League on Wednesday, though he is serving a four-match ban in the league.

Mourinho and Vinícius will come face to face with Arsenal in December, when Real Madrid visit the Emirates in the league phase of the Champions League. Real Madrid have never beaten Arsenal in a competitive match.