Vinicius Jr apologizes for petulance and promises to 'keep fighting' for Real Madrid
Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr has apologized for his irritable reaction after being substituted during Sunday's Clasico win over Barcelona.
The Brazilian winger was sent off after 72 minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu, but expressed his displeasure by declaring “I'm leaving this team” before heading straight down the tunnel.
His actions, which boss Xabi Alonso said would be dealt with internally, have attracted widespread criticism. and threatened to overshadow an excellent Madrid performance, which saw them beat their main rivals more comfortably than the 2-1 scoreline suggested.
But today the 25-year-old expressed his remorse and admitted he had also apologized to his teammates, although no mention of Alonso was made in his statement.
He said: “Today I want to apologize to all madridistas for my reaction when I was substituted during the Clásico. As I already did in person during training today, I also want to apologize again to my teammates, the club and the president.
“Sometimes passion gets the better of me because I always want to win and help my team. My competitive nature comes from the love I feel for this club and everything it represents. I promise to continue fighting every second for the good of Real Madrid, as I have done since day one.”
Vinicius Jr involved in fight with Yamal
When Vinicius Jr returned to the bench from the dressing room, he was then involved in the post-match brawl which saw several Madrid players target Lamine Yamal, who had made inflammatory remarks before the match towards the capital club.
The former Flamengo star has struggled to replicate his best form over the past 12 months – ever since losing out to Manchester City midfielder Rodri in the voting for the 2024 Ballon d'Or.
This latest incident is another disappointing chapter in his Madrid career, which currently appears to have stalled, but the South American has received words of support from his former teammate Toni Kroos.
Kroos, who retired last year after a successful career at the Bernabeu, said: “When you play an exceptional match, especially in a match like this, at least you are not happy. [at being substituted]. I never liked being substituted either, although to be honest I never went to the dressing room straight after being sent off.
“It's easy to judge from the outside. I like to keep in mind that in reality, those who participate in a Clasico, in front of 80,000 spectators and with the score 2-1, want everything but to leave. Nobody can judge and imagine this emotion.”
2025-10-29 12:49:00
