Vinicius Jr wants Real Madrid stay 'for many years', speaks on 'difficult' Xabi Alonso period

AlavésAthletic ClubAtlético MadridBarcelonaCelta de VigoElcheEspanyolGetafeGironaLevanteMallorcaOsasunaRayo VallecanoReal BetisReal MadridReal OviedoReal SociedadSevillaValenciaVillarrealPodcastsCopa del ReyVinicius Jr wants Real Madrid stay ‘for many years’, speaks on ‘difficult’ Xabi Alonso periodThe forward's Madrid contract expires in June 2027 Pierre-Philippe MARCOU / AFP via Getty Images Share full articleVinicius Junior believes he will stay at Real Madrid “for many years” and has opened up on how he did “not connect” with previous head coach Xabi Alonso. The Brazil international’s contract at Madrid is due to expire in June 2027 and from next January, he could agree a free pre-contract agreement with a rival club. The 25-year-old, who has scored 123 goals for Madrid since joining in 2018 from Flamengo, has played down any speculation on his future. “I hope I can stay for a long time,” Vinicius Jr said on Monday when asked on his future. “We’re very calm because I have the president’s trust. At the right moment, we’ll take care of the renewal because this is the club of my dreams, and we’ll continue together for many years.” In October, as exclusively reported by The Athletic, Vinicius Jr told club president Florentino Perez that he did not feel it would be in his best interest to renew while Alonso — who was subsequently sacked in January, and replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa — was still in charge of the side. “I was playing matches, but not many minutes,” Vinicius said on his situation under former coach Alonso. “It was difficult, but every coach has their own methods, and I didn’t connect the way he wanted. “Still, it was a learning experience, and I hope I can continue with Arbeloa, because I have a wonderful connection with him and he has always given me confidence.” Vinicius said his relationship with Arbeloa was similar to that of previous coach Carlo Ancelotti, who managed Vinicius at Madrid for four seasons until his departure to the Brazil national team in May 2025, where the two now work together. “Arbeloa has made it clear what he wants from me,” said Vinicius. “I went a long time without scoring goals. That happened when I wasn’t in the right mindset and I was very young. But I’ve learned. The best players always bounce back.” Madrid host Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie on Tuesday. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms