Vinicius Junior held his pre-match press conference at Valdebebas on Monday ahead of Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich at the Bernabeu.
On the goal drought, he was candid. "I don't think I've ever gone this long without scoring a goal. I've learnt from this difficult spell and I want to keep learning." His last Liga goal came in the Madrid derby on March 22. He has scored 12 goals and provided four assists since January though, and looked sharp in the international break with Brazil.
On Arbeloa, he was warm. "I have a special connection with Arbeloa, just like I did with Ancelotti. He's always made it clear what he wants from me. I've always given my best and I'm going to keep doing so." He contrasted this with the difficult period under Xabi Alonso, saying the two never connected the way Alonso wanted, but calling it a learning experience.
On racism, Vinicius spoke with conviction. "It's a complicated issue, and it happens a lot." He then directly referenced Yamal. "I hope Lamine can continue this fight as well. We have money, but poor Black people have more difficulties than we do." Vinicius had previously liked Yamal's social media post after Islamophobic chants were directed at sections of the crowd during Spain vs Egypt last week at Espanyol's stadium.
On his contract, he was calm. "I hope I can stay here for a long time. I still have a year left but I'm very calm. I have the president's confidence. At the right time I'll renew and stay here for a long time — this is my dream club."
On Mallorca, he said they were not focused enough. "There are good days and bad days. We were coming off the break and as the manager said, if you're not at 200% you don't win matches."
On Bayern, he pointed to history and the crowd. "Surely, the connection between the players and the fans always changes the dynamic of home games and Champions League matches. A good team is coming but we have experience in these kinds of games."
