Former Real Madrid player slams Vinicius Junior – “No one wants him”

Real Madrid may have won their La Liga opener on Saturday against Espanyol, but their performance was far from convincing. It took a 90th minute winner from debutant Carlos Espi to separate the sides, and several of Jose Mourinho’s big-hitters struggled to make much of an impact.

One of those was Vinicius Junior, who tried – but failed – to put his stamp on proceedings at the RCDE Stadium. It was the Brazilian’s first match since signing a new contract, thus ending the strong speculation around a possible exit from the Bernabeu, although there are some that belief he was lucky to earn a renewal.

Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Santi Canizares believes that Vinicius didn’t leave this summer purely because there was no one willing to sign him, as he made clear during comments on El Partidazo de COPE (via MD).

“There has been a debate this summer. He had one year left on his contract and either you sell him or you don’t sell him. What he gives you football-wise for what he takes from you. Do you know what happened? Which is that no one wants him. Nobody wants a player like that at their club. And I don’t think he has had any offer. Real Madrid have been obliged and in need of renewing him because surely no team has contacted him or his agent because nobody wants a player with these characteristics. Well yes, maybe a lesser team may want him… someone like Newcastle.”

Canizares’ comments may resonate with some Real Madrid supporters that wanted Vinicius to leave, although his claim that “no one wanted” the Brazil international can be disputed by the numerous reports of Arsenal’s interest in his services. The reigning Premier League champions were keen to sign him if he did not renew, but as he did, their plans went up in smoke.