Vinicius Junior has apologised for his outburst during Sunday’s El Clasico after he was substituted by Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso with 18 minutes remaining. Real moved five points clear at the top of the La Liga table after overcoming Barcelona 2-1 at the Bernabeu.
Vinicius Junior has starred for Real since joining the club from Flamengo in 2018. The 25-year-old has bagged 111 goals and 87 assists in 335 appearances for the Spanish giants and found the back of the net in the 2022 and 2024 Champions League finals.
Vinicius Junior has already contributed five goals and four assists in 10 La Liga appearances this season. But he was named on the bench against Getafe after the international break and was taken off during the clash with Barca as the home side clung to their lead.
He was visibly unhappy at being hauled off by Alonso and was spotted asking his manager as he left the pitch: “Me? Me? Gaffer, gaffer. Me?”
He then stormed straight down the tunnel and appeared to shout: “It’s always me, I’m leaving the team. I’m leaving, I’d better leave.”
Vinicius Junior has clearly been reflecting on his actions against Barcelona. And, on Wednesday, he released a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
“Today I want to apologise to all the Madridistas for my reaction when I was substituted in the Clasico,” explained the Brazil international.
“Just as I have already done in person during today’s training, I also want to apologise again to my team-mates, the club, and the president.
“Sometimes passion gets the better of me because I always want to win and help my team. My competitive character stems from the love I feel for this club and everything it represents.”
He added: “I promise to keep fighting every second for the good of Real Madrid, as I have done since the first day.”
According to The Sun, sources close to Vinicius Junior have suggested that the player believes the fracture with Alonso is irreparable. And the attacker thinks he may even have to leave the Bernabeu.
The publication have stated that Manchester United would view it as a statement of intent if they can snap up the player following their 15th-place Premier League finish last season.
And his availability would spark a bidding war among England’s wealthiest teams as the big six Premier League clubs could all be interested in signing him in the right circumstances.