Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho revealed he convinced Vinicius Jr to stay at the Bernabeu rather than leave for free next summer. The 26-year-old Brazilian winger had entered the final year of his contract, drawing interest from Arsenal and other clubs. Mourinho told Spanish TV show El Chiringuito: "The only thing I told him was: 'Vini, where do you want to go? You've only been in Brazil and you only know Real Madrid. Don't leave. It's not worth it.'" Mourinho's persuasion helped secure Vinicius Jr's six-year contract extension earlier this month.

The incident between Mourinho's Benfica and Real Madrid in last season's Champions League also played a role. After Vinicius Jr was allegedly racially abused by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, Mourinho defended his player despite the controversy. UEFA later banned Prestianni for homophobic conduct.

Mourinho, now 63, returns to Real Madrid for a second spell after managing Manchester United, Tottenham, and Inter Milan. He describes himself as a "more controlled, less emotional" manager but insists his core identity remains unchanged. His previous tenure from 2010-2013 won La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup.