Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has revealed he personally persuaded Vinicius Jr to stay at the club, telling the Brazilian forward it was "not worth" leaving amid interest from Arsenal. The 26-year-old had entered the final year of his contract, meaning he could have departed for free next summer, but he committed his future to Real earlier this month by signing a new six-year deal, ending months of speculation over his future.

Speaking on Spanish TV show El Chiringuito, Mourinho said Vinicius had "fallen in love" with Real Madrid and described telling him he would only appreciate the club fully if he left. Mourinho also addressed an alleged racist incident involving Vinicius and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni last season, insisting the player can rely on him for support, and discussed Real's failed pursuit of Rodri, who instead joined Barcelona for £65m after having "doubts" over a move to the Bernabeu.