MOURINHO SAYS HE WOULD HAVE LEFT REAL MADRID IF HE WERE VINICIUS JUNIOR

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho says he would have left the club this summer if he were Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior, citing the repeated racial abuse and hostility the player has faced.

Vinicius was sent off during Madrid’s win over Villarreal last weekend for pulling an opponent’s hair. The red card earned him a four-match suspension, ruling him out of the El Clasico against Barcelona on October 25.

The 26-year-old has faced repeated racist abuse from opposition supporters since joining Real Madrid in 2018. Despite the challenges, he signed a new contract this summer that runs until 2032.

Mourinho Praises Vinicius’ Resilience

Mourinho described Vinicius as a remarkable young player who has continued to smile and enjoy football despite the treatment he has received.

He said he would probably have forced a move to another league or country if he were in the winger’s position, particularly somewhere he could feel more respected by rival fans and stadiums.

According to Mourinho, Vinicius renewed his contract because of his love for Real Madrid and his belief that things could improve. The coach added that although the situation could affect the Brazilian emotionally, it had not taken away his joy of playing and working with his teammates.

Vinicius was substituted during Madrid’s 4-3 Champions League victory over Roma on Wednesday as he continues to work towards regaining the form that helped him win the competition twice under former coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Madrid’s Growing Tensions With La Liga

Mourinho also addressed the growing dispute between Real Madrid and Spanish football authorities, saying there were limits to what could be excused.

The club recently called for La Liga president Javier Tebas to resign after he compared Madrid’s campaign against referees to propaganda techniques used by Nazi official Joseph Goebbels. Tebas later clarified that he was referring to the propaganda methods, not Nazi ideology.

Real Madrid face Sevilla on Sunday as they seek to close the gap on Barcelona, who are six points ahead of fourth-placed Madrid. Barcelona, coached by Hansi Flick, have won every match this season.