Mourinho Says His Advice Helped Keep Vinicius Jr at Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho says he played a part in persuading Vinicius Jr to remain at Real Madrid before the Brazil international signed a new six-year contract. BBC Sport reported that Mourinho discussed the talks during an appearance on the Spanish television programme El Chiringuito.

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Vinicius, 26, had entered the final 12 months of his previous deal at the Bernabeu and could have left without a transfer fee next summer. Arsenal had been alerted to his situation while negotiations continued, but the winger committed his future to Madrid earlier this month.

Mourinho, whose return for a second spell as Real coach was confirmed in June, said he advised Vinicius that leaving was "not worth it." He said the player had fallen in love with the club and suggested that the squad's development and work under the new coaching staff helped give Vinicius confidence in staying.

Their recent history also includes three Champions League meetings last season, when Mourinho managed Benfica. During the second match, Real players alleged that Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni racially abused Vinicius, causing play to stop for about eight minutes. Prestianni denied that allegation, and Mourinho defended his player at the time. UEFA later imposed a three-match ban, with another three matches suspended, for homophobic conduct. Mourinho now says Vinicius can rely on his support.

The Portuguese coach also addressed Real's unsuccessful attempt to sign Rodri. The Spain midfielder was entering the final year of his Manchester City contract and had previously expressed a desire to return to Spain. Real and Barcelona pursued him, but Rodri chose Barcelona in a deal reported at £65 million. Mourinho said Rodri had doubts about joining Madrid, and that those doubts made him question the move as well.

Real are seeking a return to major honours after two seasons without a trophy. Mourinho won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup during his first spell from 2010 to 2013. After subsequent jobs including Manchester United, Tottenham and Inter Milan, he described himself as more mature, less emotional and more controlled, while insisting his competitive character remains unchanged.