Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Jr spoke to the media ahead of Brazil’s first game of the World Cup on Saturday, when they face Morocco. He was asked about how he is feeling, to which he gave a very detailed response. He said “I’m at the most special and important moment of my career. I’m at the physical and technical level I’ve always dreamed of. I haven’t suffered any injuries this season. I’ve prepared myself very well to get to this point. Playing with Ancelotti gives me a lot of peace
of mind, a lot of freedom and confidence to do everything I’ve already done with the national team and at Real Madrid. It’s eight games, and I can change this story for our country and for the players. I’m not even talking about goals and assists, but about playing well and giving the team the confidence it needs. It doesn’t matter how many goals I score. What matters is how far we go.”
Vinicius Jr on his role in the national team
“It’s a very important and special role to represent my entire family and my country at a World Cup, where I’ve always dreamed of being. To be here after so much time, so many lessons, and so much hard work, I just want to seize this opportunity and show everyone that we can be champions.”
Vinicius Jr on what it means to play in the World Cup
“I think the World Cup is different from all other competitions. The last World Cup taught me that we have to be prepared and focused until the last minute of the match, because the small details will decide our fate in the competition. I hope we can do things differently and that we can come out on top in those small details.”
Vinicius Jr on Morocco
“Without a doubt, Morocco has improved a lot. They’re a team that plans their matches well and is capable of competing against anyone. Football has changed a great deal, and Morocco is a prime example of that. They had a great World Cup [in 2022], but they lost in the Africa Cup of Nations final. They have an excellent squad, with players who play for top clubs.
“Morocco can pull off a surprise at the World Cup, just like they did in the last one. They have Brahim, who plays with me; they have Hakimi, who just won another Champions League; and there are other very important players in the world of football. They’re improving a lot. It will be a great match.”
Vinicius Jr on his contract situation with Real Madrid
“Right now I’m focused on the national team. I’ll talk about everything related to Real Madrid after the World Cup. Right now I’m only focused on my country, my teammates, and having a great tournament.”
Vinicius Jr on the off-field problems at the World Cup
“I think it’s a very delicate matter. We hope everyone can come and cheer here as usual. Football is for everyone. I hope they can all enjoy this.”
Vinicius Jr on what Brazil’s level is
“We’ve come here to win the title. We’re at the level of the great national teams, the great clubs. We have great players. We’ve been improving in recent months. At the World Cup, everything starts from scratch. It doesn’t matter who reached the last final or who won the Copa América. What matters is what happens starting tomorrow. We’re here to make history and compete in a great tournament.”
Vinicius Jr on whether he is a candidate to be the player of the tournament
“I’m not here to be the best player of the tournament; I’m here to take Brazil back to the top. I’ve played more matches and have more experience than at the last World Cup, and I’m here to have a great tournament.”
Vinicius Jr on whether Brazil are a cohesive team
“I think we’ve adapted very well to the players we have. It’s a shame to lose Wesley; we wish him a speedy recovery. As for how we’re going to play, I’m not going to say anything, because Morocco might figure out our strategy. But no matter how we line up and who plays, we have a very competitive squad to have a great World Cup. The coach always says we have to play with maximum concentration, because the World Cup is decided by small details. We have 26 players who will give their all for our country and do whatever the coach asks of us.”
