Vinicius gave an interview to the official UEFA media. The Brazilian analyzed the semifinals of the competition between Real Madrid and Chelsea.
Semifinals
“Real Madrid, the best team in the world, is always ready to put on a great game at the right time. We like big games, we like the Champions League and we have won it more times than anyone. Many players here have already won the Champions League many times and want to win more. The youngest of us want to win like them ”.
The way to the semifinals
“I am happy with the performance of the club towards the end of the season and with the possibility of winning two titles. We could have fared better in the Group Stage as we made mistakes in some matches that we shouldn't have, like losing at home to Shakhtar, but the biggest club in the world always instills fear in its rivals. Each team that we face always trains harder and prepares more to play against Real Madrid. The value of this shirt counts a lot, the players know it and we always try to give everything to put Real Madrid where it belongs ”.
Protagonist against Liverpool
“It was very special. I was very happy and they were surely the most important goals of my career. But I don't want to stay there, I want to score in the semi-finals and, God willing, reach the final so that I can write my name in the history of Real Madrid. It is the best team in the world and I am very happy to be here. They all love me and do everything they can to help me. Scoring those two goals in such an important match and getting the team into the semifinals of the biggest competition in the world is the best feeling. In addition, it is being hard to play without fans because we are used to doing it at the Bernabéu with a lot of people ”.
How is your relationship with Zidane?
“I learn from Zidane every day, in each training session. He was a great player and he is a great coach. He does everything he can to make us feel good, not only in the field but also at home, as he asks a lot about our family. It also gives me a lot of confidence and I learn all kinds of things on the field. In terms of tactics, he was one of the coaches who pushed me the most to do things and now I do them very naturally and calmly. It helps me a lot offensively every day. “
Differences between the Vinicius that arrived in Madrid and the one now
“I am much more mature and I can understand the game better, understand when to attack. That makes me improve every season to be able to reach the highest possible level, which is to be among the best players in the world, playing for Real Madrid and winning titles. Now I am a completely different player, but with the same characteristics as before “
What helped you in your career
“Playing in the street helped me lose my fear of dribbling because you have no responsibility. You can be very daring because there is nothing to lose. Futsal also helped me. Everyone says that Brazilian players have a lot of quality and I think it's because we play in small spaces, we start playing on the street when we are young and always with older people. All of that helps us. “
One-on-one specialist. Is it working or is it innate?
“When I'm in one-on-one situations, you never think, you always improvise. I am very calm and I always try to choose the best plays, because when I dribble my marker I will be closer to the area to help the team. I think my style adapts to that of each team, just as the Brazilian style adapts to that of all clubs and teams in the world. I will never change the way I play and I will always try to continue doing what I was doing when I started playing. I will always seek to improve in order to reach a higher level ”r.
Do you spend a lot of time playing football?
“I have always worked hard since I was young and now it is no different. I work hard at home and at the club. I spend many hours watching videos and doing physical work to prevent injuries. I think about all aspects, but mainly the tactical side of things. Every day I improve and develop a lot. In each training session I do my best to get as many minutes as possible because I love playing football and this is the best place to continue learning ”.
How were your beginnings in football?
“I started playing when I was four years old and I always dreamed of playing for Flamengo and Real Madrid. I was able to achieve that very soon. When I came to Europe I had to change my habits on and off the pitch to get used to another football culture. Arriving here and playing with my idols required a lot of peace of mind to know when to listen to them and learn from them. Facing these changes so young is both a good and a bad thing. It's good because you have more time to learn things, but you also face the fear and insecurity of playing for the biggest club in the world and doing things well.
Your personal goals
“Keep playing for Real Madrid. I have already played more than 100 games at the club, which I think is a lot for a 20-year-old. Very few players have achieved it and I want to continue winning many trophies, scoring many goals and bringing joy to the fans who follow us and to my family ”.