Vinícius Júnior is not happy with how he is being treated by referees and wants more protection for talented players such as himself, Lamine Yamal and Julián Álvarez. Vinícius spoke out after Real Madrid’s 4-3 come-from-behind win at Roma in the Champions League on Wednesday. The Brazil forward also acknowledged he was going through a slump, but said he had “no doubt” he would 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 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.
The opposing team will always say it’s justified, and the press will say the same. I’m here to keep evolving and improving, because I know where I’ve come from and what I’m capable of achieving. I’ve seen the stats: I’ve been on the receiving end of 500 fouls, yet that has only resulted in five red cards.
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 Julián at Atleti. Defenders are allowed to foul me the entire match but in the end it’s me who gets the card.” José Mourinho complained about the timing of the announcement of the suspension.
That’s why I signed a six-year contract extension. The good run of form will return, and the goals will come back, too. I’m here to help the team.” The 26-year-old downplayed his frustration after Mourinho substituted him.
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’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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