In an exclusive interview, Real Madrid player Vinicius Junior talked about his growing confidence while playing for the Brazilian national team and the upcoming challenges in the UEFA Champions League.
This season's Champions League campaign has been full of twists and turns for you. You have been the match-winner in several past games, encountered racial abuse on the pitch, and had to respond to external criticism when the team was in trouble. Does this Champions League season hold a different and even more special meaning for you?
Absolutely, after all, we haven't won any trophies for nearly two years, have we? So we have to get ready for the rest of the season.
The game against Bayern will be extremely tough, but we have always loved such clashes, as this is a stage for top players to deliver their best performances. I always prepare hard for games like this.
Of course, we cannot ignore other competitions, but such matches motivate us more and push us to prepare better. How to put it? We also have more room to perform. It is a unique duel, with both teams advocating attacking football, aiming to score goals and put on a brilliant show for the fans.
I believe tomorrow's game, and even this entire season, can be incredibly special. Bayern have only lost two games this season, boasting solid defense, sharp attack, and excellence in all aspects.
They also have a great manager, who spoke up for me when I suffered racial discrimination. I will always be grateful to him, and I hope we can put on a spectacular match tomorrow.
You have just returned from national team duty. Every time you join the national team, especially when you are in your best form for Real Madrid this season, there are always comments saying: "We can't see the Real Madrid version of Vinicius in the national team." What is going on? How would you respond to these people?
These are different situations, aren't they? I play for Real Madrid and then leave to join the national team. Sometimes I arrive feeling exhausted, but that is by no means an excuse.
The World Cup is approaching, and God willing, I will make the squad and silence the critics with my performances. Everyone used to talk about my finishing ability and my poor reading of the game, but I have proven myself at Real Madrid. I have gradually learned to read the game and play better.
As for the national team, since Carlo Ancelotti took charge, I have undoubtedly played better and become more confident, and the team relies on me more. All of us must stay in sync. I am eager to achieve all this, because the World Cup is our biggest challenge, and our country has not tasted the joy of winning the World Cup for far too long.
