Vinicius Junior clarified Real Madrid’s boycott of the Ballon d’Or ceremony, which was in response to his exclusion from the award. While he faced criticism for the boycott, he asserted it was a club directive. Despite transfer rumors, he expressed a desire to continue with Real Madrid and to build his legacy there, stating he aims to contribute significantly in the coming years.

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has clarified the reason behind the club’s boycott of the Ballon d’Or ceremony last year, which took place in Paris. The prestigious award was claimed by Manchester City’s Rodri, marking a significant moment as he became the first Premier League player to win since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008. Vinicius Junior, perceived as a frontrunner for the accolade after his contributions to Real Madrid’s successful campaign, ultimately placed second in the voting.

This boycott stirred controversy and sparked debates, with some, including Ronaldo, deeming the move “unfair,” while Gary Neville criticized Vinicius for allegedly showing “disrespect” to Rodri. Vinicius explained that the decision to stay away from the ceremony was due to directives from the club, stating, “I do as I’m told by the club. They asked me to stay in Madrid and I did so, no problem. Now we’re focused on the next one.”

The repercussions of the boycott echoed during a Champions League playoff match against Real Madrid when Manchester City fans displayed a derogatory banner aimed at the club. In response to this mockery, Vinicius Junior expressed that it fueled his determination on the field: “I saw the banner from Man City fans. It motivated me even more,” emphasizing how such rivalries enhance his performance.

Amidst ongoing speculation regarding a possible transfer to the Saudi Pro League, where he could secure an annual salary of around £298.9 million, Vinicius affirmed his commitment to Real Madrid. He expressed optimism over extending his contract, which currently runs until 2027, stating: “I’m very relaxed about it. I’m happy here and it’s a dream come true to be playing alongside the best players.”

Vinicius Junior articulated his aspirations, aiming to solidify his legacy at the club. He remarked, “Now I’ve got the taste for winning things and started writing my own history here, I want more. I want to go down in this club’s history, which isn’t easy with the number of legendary players in the past.”

In summary, Vinicius Junior has expressed his dedication to Real Madrid amidst speculation of a transfer. He elucidated the club’s decision to boycott the Ballon d’Or ceremony, highlighting their focus on future success. With a contract until 2027 and ambitions to secure his place in the club’s history, Vinicius remains committed to achieving more with Los Blancos.

Original Source: www.standard.co.uk

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