Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior explained the reasons that, in his opinion, have led his club, Real Madrid, to go without titles for the past two seasons, citing coaching changes, the arrival of new players, and a lack of experienced footballers. In an interview with the channel CazéTV, released in full early Wednesday, the Canarinha attacker also reaffirmed his intention to renew his contract with the Merengue squad, which currently runs until June 30, 2027.

Vinícius joined his national team on Wednesday in Teresópolis, in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro, following a season without titles at Real Madrid — the second consecutive season without major trophies. In this context, the number 7 offered his insights into his team's latest failure. First, he alluded to unexpected defeats at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. "We ended up failing in matches where we couldn't afford to fail. You cannot lose matches at home. In matches where you need to draw, you lose, you drop points, the gap grows, and the other team (referring to Barcelona in La Liga) gains confidence," he said.

He also attributed the slump to the departure of Carlo Ancelotti, now leading Brazil, and "the coaching changes" over the past year, first with Xabi Alonso and then with Álvaro Arbeloa. Similarly, he mentioned the arrival of new teammates who took the place of others who had more experience. "We no longer have as many experienced players as in recent seasons, like Nacho, Carvajal — who played more — Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos. Those are players who make a huge difference," he explained.

"Now it's me, Bellingham, Fede Valverde — we have a lot of experience, but in terms of the locker room, we don't have as many years to carry that weight. But we are learning. Next season we will be better, more compact, and we will change that story," he added.

Regarding his relationship with Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius denied rumors of alleged friction with the French attacker in the locker room and said they "always" try to be together off the field. "I've always had a good relationship with him. I sent him many messages to come play here. We still haven't managed to play the way we want and win the titles we want, but in the very near future we will turn the situation around," he insisted.

Vini referred to Mbappé as a "legendary" , "world-class" player and expressed confidence that "he will mark an era at Real Madrid." "He is already marking it," he corrected himself.

The former Flamengo player also commented on the negotiation process with Real Madrid to renew his contract and insisted that he has "never" imagined himself outside the club. "It's the club of my dreams... I want to stay here my whole life, and I'm in no rush to renew. Until 2027, I have a lot to talk about with Real Madrid, and Real Madrid has a lot to talk with us. Madrid is calm, and I am calm. The president (Florentino Pérez) trusts me, and I trust him. We just have to wait," he assured.

However, he did express his intention to return one day to Flamengo, the Rio de Janeiro club where he developed. "Not now, but I'm not going back too old either. I miss Flamengo. I have to win the Copa Libertadores with Flamengo," he stated.