Vinicius Jr is reportedly contemplating leaving Real Madrid following his furious reaction to being substituted in Sunday’s 2-1 Clasico win over Barcelona.
The Brazilian forward was left angered when manager Xabi Alonso decided to withdraw him in the 72nd minute at the Santiago Bernabeu. As he walked off, Vinicius was seen shouting “Always me” and is believed to have said, “I’m leaving the team, it’s better if I leave.”
He stormed down the tunnel but later returned to the bench as Madrid held on to secure a vital victory that moved them five points clear of their rivals. After the final whistle, Vinicius was also involved in a heated altercation with Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal amid chaotic scenes on the pitch.
[AS reports] that Vinicius is now “seriously considering leaving” due to a perceived lack of trust from Alonso. The report claims he feels his contributions are not being respected, despite scoring 111 goals in 336 appearances since joining Real in 2018 and winning 14 trophies, including three La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns.
According to the same report, Vinicius’ angry reaction has not gone down well with the club’s hierarchy, who are believed to back Alonso’s decision fully. The 43-year-old coach, who won the Champions League with Madrid as a player, replaced Carlo Ancelotti in the summer.
While Vinicius is said not to want a departure, the report suggests he feels “he will be left with no choice” if Alonso does not show the same faith in him as he has in Kylian Mbappe. The Brazilian has only completed three matches as a starter this season and was benched for three of Madrid’s 13 games across all competitions.
Speaking after the Clasico, Vinicius downplayed the situation, telling fans: “This is how the Clasico is, there are many things happening on and off the pitch. We try to maintain balance, but that’s not always possible… We didn’t want to offend anyone. Hala Madrid.”
Alonso also chose not to criticise his player, explaining: “It’s true that he came off when he was feeling best, but we needed fresh players. Vinicius wanted to stay on because he was feeling good. It happens to everyone, but I’m very happy with his performance.”
Vinicius will aim to move past the controversy when Madrid host Valencia on Saturday before visiting Liverpool in the Champions League next week a sentimental return for Alonso to his former club.
