Vinicius Junior is not happy with how he is being treated by referees and wants more protection for talented players like him, Lamine Yamal and Julian Alvarez. The Brazil forward spoke out after Real Madrid’s 4-3 come-from-behind win at Roma in the Champions League on Wednesday. He acknowledged that he is going through a slump, but said he had “no doubt” he will regain his best form soon.
The match against Roma came hours after he was handed a four-game suspension in the Spanish league after being sent off for pulling the hair of an opponent and for protesting against the referee. I tried to move the player in front of me out of the way and I ended up getting caught in his hair,” Vinicius said. I didn’t say a single offensive word to the referee that would warrant a four-match ban.
But when it comes to Vini, it’s all too easy. I’m here to keep evolving and improving, because I know where I’ve come from and what I’m capable of achieving,” Vinicius added. In the end, the yellow cards always seem to go to Vini, to the attacking players.
We need to protect the players who bring something different to the game, like Lamine at Barcelona or Julian at Atleti. Defenders are allowed to foul me the entire match but in the end it’s me who gets the card.” Madrid coach Jose Mourinho complained about the timing of the announcement of the suspension. That’s why I signed a six-year contract extension.
I’m here to help the team.” The 26-year-old Vinicius has scored only two goals for club and country this season, one for Madrid in the team’s second league match and another with Brazil in a friendly against Australia in September. He downplayed his frustration after Mourinho substituted him on Wednesday. I’m well aware of my current form and how I’m playing.
I’m here to help the team and sometimes you have to come off so that other players can get on and change the dynamic,” he said. He’s always straight with me. Of course I got a little annoyed when I came off today, but that’s normal.
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