Vinícius Junior: The evolving role at Real Madrid and welcoming Bellingham

In an exclusive interview with L’Equipe, Vinicius Jr, the Brazilian sensation and Real Madrid winger opens up about his evolving role at the club and the recent addition of Jude Bellingham.

Viní Jr’s candid words shed light on his growing responsibilities and his welcoming attitude towards new talents.

Viní Jr’s evolving role

Viní Jr shares, “My role at Real Madrid? Of course, it has changed. I was a little boy when I signed with no responsibilities, and now I have become the player who has to lift us up.

“I know that the club, the team, and the fans always expect something from me. I’ll never say that I’m not aware of it. I accept it. The pressure is there, but we all love it. It’s necessary when you strive for greatness.”

Viní Jr’s connection with Jude Bellingham

Speaking about Jude Bellingham, Viní Jr expresses, “Juni Calafat knows that if I can help him a little, I will. I didn’t know Bellingham personally, but I knew that other teams wanted him, and I did the same as I did with Camavinga: I texted him for months and told him that Real Madrid is the best in the world.”

Jude Bellingham’s instant impact

Viní Jr continues, “Jude Bellingham is one of the best in the world, and the whole team loves him. He scores goals and is happy. We are very happy that he has signed [with Real Madrid]. I saw him play, and as I want to share a team with the best, the insistence was obvious.”

Viní Jr’s perspective on the dressing room

When asked about his role in the dressing room alongside seasoned stars like Kroos and Modrić, Viní Jr humbly responds, “Dressing room? I speak, but I know where I have to be. There is Kroos and Modrić. It’s more up to me to listen to them than for them to listen to me. I have more to learn from them than the other way around. These guys have won a lot during their careers. We try to follow in their footsteps.”