Vinícius speaks frankly about why he turned down Arsenal.
"Vinícius" expresses gratitude and has no intention of leaving "Real Madrid" on a free transfer next summer.
Vinícius Junior, the Brazilian winger for "Los Blancos" Real Madrid, a giant in Spain's La Liga, told close friends he wants to extend his contract because he does not want to leave the club without a transfer fee next summer.
Vinícius, 26, has only one year left on his Real Madrid contract, and Premier League champions Arsenal are seriously interested in signing him to boost their attack. However, Real Madrid has no plans to let him go, and manager José Mourinho has clearly told the club's executives he does not want to lose Vinícius. Meanwhile, Vinícius prioritizes renewing his contract with Real Madrid.
Reports say Madrid and Vinícius are planning to negotiate a new contract once the forward returns from a short holiday in his homeland after the 2026 World Cup. Both sides are eager to reach an agreement as soon as possible.
Spanish media outlet AS reported that Vinícius told close friends he wants to repay Real Madrid for what he feels he owes the club after they "took a risk" signing him when he was just 18 years old.
AS executive editor Thomas Roncero said, "Vinícius told his close friends he doesn't want to leave without Real Madrid receiving a single euro. He said, 'I can't leave Madrid for free because they took me in at age 18, coming from a poor family with difficult social and personal circumstances, and they believed in me.'"
"They paid 45 million euros even though it was a gamble. Madrid gave me everything. I can't leave without them getting even one euro. I'm sharing what he told his friends."
Vinícius has scored 128 goals and provided 100 assists in 375 appearances for Real Madrid since joining the Spanish giants from Flamengo in 2018. He has helped the club win 14 titles, including three La Liga championships and two UEFA Champions League trophies.