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Jose Mourinho admits Vinicius Jr should have LEFT Real Madrid last summer ‘to a country where he is respected’ as boss lavishes praise on former Arsenal target

Arsenal enquired about the Brazilian superstar and reports suggested they were willing to offer him a mammoth £18.5million per season - more than any player at the club.

By LUKE POWER · Daily Mail

Published: Saturday, 17 October 2026 at 12:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Jose Mourinho believes Vinicius Junior should have left Real Madrid to play where he is respected.
Vinicius Jr's contract expires at the end of the season, raising the prospect of a January permanent sale.
Arsenal previously enquired about Vinicius Jr and were reportedly willing to offer him £18.5 million per season.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Jose Mourinho stated that Vinicius Junior should have left Real Madrid during the summer transfer window to play in a country where he is respected, referencing persistent racial abuse the Brazilian forward has faced in Spain. Mourinho praised the forward's character, loyalty, and resilience, noting that he would have forced a transfer himself if placed in Vinicius Jr's position.

Vinicius Jr's current contract with Real Madrid expires at the end of the season, prompting speculation that the club could consider a permanent sale in January to avoid losing him on a free transfer. The Brazilian previously attracted an enquiry from Arsenal offering £18.5 million per season and a massive €1 billion proposal from Al Ahli.

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