"So I texted" - Vinicius Jr claims he messaged two Real Madrid stars to ensure they joined the Spanish giants
Vinicius Junior said that he texted Real Madrid stars Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga to help the La Liga giants secure their signatures.
The Brazilian superstar has been a huge success on the pitch for Madrid since joining from Flamengo in 2018. However, it appears he's also helping the club out with their transfer business.
Vinicius has told L'Equipe that he played a role in luring both Bellingham and Camavinga to the Santiago Bernabeu. He said (via transfer expert Fabrizio Romano):
"I didn’t know Bellingham but I knew that other teams wanted him so I texted him. I did the same as I did with Camavinga: texting for months and telling (him) Real is the best club in the world. Juni Calafat (chief scout) knows that if I can help him, I will."
Bellingham, 20, joined Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in the summer for €€103 million. The English superstar has made a groundbreaking start to life at the Bernabeu with 10 goals and three assists in 10 games across competitions.
There was plenty of interest in him from European giants, including Los Blancos, during the summer. The likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain were also reportedly weighing up moves for the England international.
Meanwhile, Camavinga, 20, arrived at Real Madrid from Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais for €31 million in 2021. He's been impressing for Los Merengues, particularly his versatility being useful for Carlo Ancelotti. The French midfielder has made 110 appearances across competitions, scoring two goals and providing five assists.
Vinicius admits he might not see out his career at Real Madrid
Vinicius is one of Real Madrid's protagonists and has developed into a superstar during his five years at the Bernabeu. The Brazil international bagged 62 goals and 65 assists in 232 appearances across competitions. He popped up with the vital winner in Ancelotti's side's 1-0 UEFA Champions League final win against Liverpool in 2021.
The 23-year-old has won the Champions League, two La Liga titles, the Copa del Rey, two Spanish Super Cups, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. Madrid are set to announce he's signed a new long-term deal containing a €1 billion release clause, per 90min.
However, Vinicius has admitted that he doesn't plan to end his career with the La Liga giants. He ideally will return back to Brazil with Flamengo (via the aforementioned source):
"I think I could stay here my whole career, but the club of my life is Flamengo. I promised my father I would go back one day. I have to keep this promise."
Vinicius scored 10 goals and provided four assists in 49 games for Flamengo. He headed to Los Blancos in 2018 for €45 million but evidently sees a return to the Maracana in his long-term future.