Mourinho Says He Would Have Left Real Madrid as Vinícius

Real Madrid coach José Mourinho said he probably would have forced a move away from the club last summer if he were in Vinícius Júnior’s position, citing the hostility and racist abuse the Brazilian forward has faced. Vinícius, by contrast, chose to stay and signed a contract that runs through 2032, according to reports. Mourinho said he would have sought a league or country where Vinícius would be treated with greater respect. His comments were a hypothetical view about what he might have done, not a call for the forward to leave now. He praised Vinícius for continuing to play and maintain a positive outlook despite the treatment he has experienced. The coach said Vinícius remained at Real Madrid because of his affection for the club and the city, and because he believes conditions can improve. Mourinho also described him as a person who is easy to know and praised his resilience. The remarks, as reported, reflect Mourinho’s account of Vinícius’s motivations; Vinícius did not offer a separate explanation in the material provided. Reports said Vinícius signed his new deal in the summer, extending his stay at the Spanish club through 2032. He had entered the final year of his...