During the press conference before the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, Vinícius Júnior compared his relationship with Arbeloa to the one he had with Carlo Ancelotti, noting that this synergy was not achieved during Xabi Alonso's tenure on the Santiago Bernabéu bench.
“"With (Álvaro) Arbeloa, I've had a special connection, just like I had with (Carlo) Ancelotti. He has always made it clear what he truly wants from me, and I give my all for this team, as I always have and always will, because it's the club of my life, and I seize every opportunity I get."
The Real Madrid attacker also reflected on a challenging period this season, marked by a goal drought and fan criticism. However, he maintained that these experiences have allowed him to grow and reach his "best version" physically and mentally.
Regarding the team's occasional lapses in concentration, such as in the recent match against RCD Mallorca, Vinícius stressed the importance of focus. He highlighted that defensive commitment and team unity are crucial for success, downplaying external criticisms.
Finally, the Brazilian player addressed the fight against racism, a "very complicated" but recurring issue. He emphasized the importance of public figures like Lamine Yamal speaking out, as their visibility can help eradicate these attitudes. He stated that, while racist individuals exist in various countries, a collective effort can bring about significant change in the future.
