Vinicius Junior dodges question on Real Madrid future

Vinicius Junior dodges question on Real Madrid future Vinicius Junior has again postponed talk of his future, with just a year remaining on his deal at the Santiago Bernabeu. For some time Real Madrid’s star winger has been adamant that he will stay at the club, but no progress appears to have been made on a renewal. Real Madrid initially started talks over a new deal with Vinicius two summers ago, but both sides agreed to put the deal on hold. Despite some suggestion they had grown closer during the prior season, the matter looks to be at a stalemate again. President Florentino Perez has assured it is not down to him holding out for more money, and Vinicius that he wants to remain at the club. The fact remains though that he could leave on a free in just over a year. Vinicius Junior on Real Madrid contract situation Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images Speaking ahead of Brazil’s opening match in the World Cup with Morocco, Vinicius avoided making any statements on his future. “Right now I’m focused on the national team. I’ll talk about everything related to Real Madrid after the World Cup. Right now I’m only focused on my country, my teammates, and having a great tournament,” he told Diario AS during their pre-match press conference. ‘Playing under Ancelotti gives me peace of mind’ Vinicius is poised for a starring role for Brazil under former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti. The Brazilian explained what his coach meant to him. “I’m at the most special and important moment of my career. I’m at the physical and technical level I’ve always dreamed of. I haven’t suffered any injuries this season. I’ve prepared myself very well to get to this point. Playing with Ancelotti gives me a lot of peace of mind, a lot of freedom and confidence to do everything I’ve already done with the national team and at Real Madrid.” Image via Denis Doyle/Getty Images “It’s eight games, and I can change this story for our country and for the players. I’m not even talking about goals and assists, but about playing well and giving the team the confidence it needs. It doesn’t matter how many goals I score. What matters is how far we go.” Vinicius will be under his fourth coach in a year when he returns from the World Cup, with Jose Mourinho installed as manager of Los Blancos this week . It remains to be seen how he will smooth things over with Mourinho, after the Portuguese manager accused him of provoking racist abuse from Benfica fans in February.