José Mourinho says he would have left Real Madrid for country where he would be respected if he were in Vinícius Júnior’s place, explains why the Brazilian stayed

José Mourinho believes Vinícius Júnior had good reason to leave Real Madrid this summer, even as the Brazilian chose to stay at the club he considers home. The winger turned down reported interest from Arsenal and signed a contract extension through 2032, but his decision has come amid a difficult spell in Madrid, with criticism from supporters and renewed questions about his treatment.Mourinho says he would have forced a move awaySpeaking ahead of Real Madrid’s match against Sevilla, Mourinho said Vinícius had shown considerable strength in remaining at the club despite the pressure surrounding him. The manager, who is now in his second spell at the Bernabéu, suggested he would have made a different decision if he were in the Brazilian’s position.“He's a fantastic guy, and it's easy to get along with him. I spend a few minutes alone with him every day. I value him immensely because he always manages to live and survive with a smile,” Mourinho said.“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. He believes things can improve, and he still has that smile. Nothing and no one can take it away from him.”Mourinho’s remarks came after Arsenal reportedly pursued Vinícius during the summer, with Mikel Arteta looking to strengthen his squad as the Gunners aimed to retain their Premier League title and go one better in the Champions League after losing last season’s final to PSG. The Brazilian ultimately remained in Spain, signing a new deal that runs until 2032.Mourinho later made clear that he understood why the forward stayed, saying: “When he signed that contract, he signed it because Madrid is his home, and Real Madrid is his home.”He added: “What I said before was that I doubt I'd be able - as a player with lots of options - I doubt whether I'd be able to have his psychological strength, to hold on.”A difficult spell at the BernabéuVinícius has faced a turbulent period, with his form under scrutiny and sections of the Bernabéu crowd whistling him. The winger is also serving a four-match La Liga suspension after receiving a straight red card against Villarreal.His relationship with the supporters came into focus again during Real Madrid’s recent Champions League match against Roma, when Mourinho substituted him after 59 minutes with Madrid trailing 3-1. Vinícius had lost possession in the build-up to Roma’s second goal, while substitute Endrick helped inspire a comeback that ended in a 4-3 Madrid victory.The Brazilian was visibly frustrated at being withdrawn, but defended his reaction and said he wanted to remain on the pitch.“It’s only natural for me to be angry when I’m substituted, because I always want to play every minute, to be at my best and help the team,” he said.Vinícius insists his confidence will returnThe winger has also faced criticism amid a dip in form since Kylian Mbappé’s arrival from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024. Vinícius has been subjected to whistles, boos and jeers from sections of the Bernabéu crowd, while also facing scrutiny from the media and criticism on social media. However, he pointed to his progress since joining Madrid as an 18-year-old and rejected the suggestion that his current struggles would define him.“When I was 18, many people laughed at me, saying I wouldn't score any goals - and today, I have over 100 with this jersey. Many have doubted me... the good form will return, and the goals will come back; I'm certain of that - I have no doubt at all.”Vinícius was central to Madrid’s Champions League triumphs in 2022 and 2024, but the club are now chasing a response after two trophyless campaigns. They are also nine points behind Barcelona in the league title race, adding pressure to Mourinho’s attempt to restore Madrid’s momentum.For now, Vinícius remains committed to the club, while Mourinho’s comments underline how difficult he believes it can be to withstand criticism when a player still has other options.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.