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Jose Mourinho has disclosed the straight-talking advice he gave Vinicius Junior to persuade him to sign a fresh contract with Real Madrid. The Special One stepped in to convince the Brazil forward to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu despite strong transfer interest from Premier League champions Arsenal.

Mourinho explains Vinicius contract intervention

Mourinho has revealed details of the candid conversation he had with Vinicius that led the Brazil forward to extend his stay in Madrid this summer. The winger had moved into the final 12 months of his previous agreement with Los Blancos, which meant he could have left the Santiago Bernabeu on a free transfer next year.

Arsenal became aware of the situation and got in touch with the player’s camp after contract negotiations stalled during the winter. The Gunners stayed hopeful of pulling off a major signing, with Mikel Arteta keen to bring the Brazilian into his attack. But Vinicius decided to sign a six-year contract that keeps him with the Spanish giants until 2032.

Special One’s key advice to Brazilian star

In an interview with El Chiringuito’s Josep Pedrerol, Mourinho spoke about the part he played in keeping Vinicius out of Arsenal’s reach. The Special One dismissed suggestions that the renewal happened only because of him, stressing that the forward has fallen in love with Madrid. Even so, the Portuguese manager admitted he had a direct and honest conversation with the star to help convince him to stay in Spain.

“Obviously I talked to him, but Vinicius has fallen in love with Real Madrid,” Mourinho said. “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… You only understand Real Madrid when you leave. When you leave, that’s when you realise what Real Madrid is. Don’t leave. It’s not worth it’.”

Squad’s growth convinced winger to remain

Arsenal had become increasingly confident about completing a deal as talks between Madrid and Vinicius broke down, but the player ultimately felt encouraged by the direction under Mourinho. The Los Blancos manager explained that the improving environment and strong work ethic inside the squad were vital factors in securing the attacker’s future.

“I think what he has felt in terms of the group’s growth, the way we’ve been working and developing, has given him a very important feeling,” Mourinho added. “Vinicius is another machine – it’s a pleasure to watch him work. We have a lot of quality.”

Liga opener next for Real Madrid

With his long-term future now settled, Vinicius returned to action for Madrid in pre-season friendlies against Deportivo La Coruna and Schalke last week. He is now expected to play a prominent role on Saturday when Mourinho’s team begin their Liga campaign away to Espanyol.