Vinicius Junior: A Happy Home at Real Madrid
Vinicius Junior, the talented Brazilian winger, has made it clear that he is content with his current situation at Real Madrid and has no immediate plans to leave, despite recent interest from Saudi Arabia. In the midst of speculation about his future, the 24-year-old midfielder has reaffirmed his commitment to the club, emphasizing his satisfaction and the many rewards of staying in Madrid. "I’m very calm, because I have a contract until 2027, and I hope we will renew it as soon as possible because I’m happy here," Vinicius said during a pre-match press conference. His dedication to the club is evident in his words, as he describes Real Madrid as a dream come true, where he gets to play alongside the best players, under the best coach, and with the best fans.
A Star Performer’s Journey
Vinicius Junior’s journey with Real Madrid has been nothing short of spectacular. He has been instrumental in the team’s success, helping them secure three La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions Leagues. Despite these accomplishments, he faced a setback when he controversially lost out to Manchester City’s Rodri for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. However, Vinicius has taken this in stride, focusing on his future with the club and his continued growth as a player. "I’m living a dream," he said. "I’m playing with the best players in the world, the best coach, the best president, the best fans. Everyone loves me so much. I couldn’t be anywhere better than here."
Champions League Aspirations
All eyes are now on the UEFA Champions League as Real Madrid aims to defend their title and win the competition for an unprecedented 16th time. The team’s first major hurdle is an intense derby match against Atletico Madrid. Vinicius is particularly excited about this challenge, calling it a "beautiful party for our fans." "A derby is the kind of game that we like," he said. "We wait the whole season for a game like this one, especially a Champions League derby. I’ve never played it, this is my first, and I’m super excited to play a game like this." The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for supremacy in the Spanish capital.
Embracing the Heat of Big Games
Vinicius Junior is known for his passion and intensity on the field, which sometimes leads to heated moments during big games. He acknowledges this aspect of his game but is working hard to improve his composure. "It’s normal. I get heated during the games because I just want to win the games," he said. "I do many things that I shouldn’t do, but I think I’m doing better every game. I’m trying to stay calmer, my team-mates help me with their calm, and I’m getting better, eventually." Despite his fiery temperament, Vinicius is committed to refining his approach and continues to learn and grow as a player.
Looking Ahead to Future Challenges
The 2024 Ballon d’Or controversy has not deterred Vinicius from setting his sights on future accolades. He insisted that his decision to boycott the 2024 ceremony was not his own but was made by the club. "Always the club," he said. "I do as I’m told by the club. The club asked me to stay in Madrid, so I stayed very calm. We’ll see about the next ones." With Mohamed Salah in sensational form for Liverpool, the competition for the Ballon d’Or in 2025 is likely to be fierce. However, Vinicius remains focused on his performance and his contribution to Real Madrid, knowing that hard work and consistency are key to future success.
The Big Match: Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid will host Atletico Madrid at the Bernabeu on Tuesday, March 4, with kick-off at 20:00 UK time. The match will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1, which is available across all major TV platforms, including discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media. For those looking to watch the game at local establishments, the TNT Sports Pub Finder tool can help find the best spots to catch the action. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes both TNT Sports and entertainment. This exciting derby match is a must-watch for all football fans, promising intense action and a showcase of world-class talent.
