After his disillusionment at the 2024 Ballon d’Or, Vinicius was able to count on his friends and teammates to move forward.
This is the case of Nacho Fernandez who knew how to find the right words to comfort his former teammate at Real Madrid.
In an interview relayed online, the Spanish international said he called Vinicius Jr after the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Below, his full remarks on the subject:
Real Madrid absent from the Ballon d’Or gala: “It was the club’s decision which I respect, the club had its reasons. I would really have liked to go to the gala. I think the problem is that the path was set for Vinicius to win it, and it must not have been easy to deal with the fact that at the last moment you were told no.”
Winner of the Ballon d’Or: “I would never have doubted about giving the Ballon d’Or to Vinicius. For me, it’s number one. I’m very happy for Rodri too, as a former partner he’s a very good player. I’m not taking anything away from Rodri, who deserved it too.”
Vinicius: “I wrote to Vini and told him it would make him stronger. I haven’t seen any player who was able to overcome so many difficulties. I’m sure he’ll win it in the future.”
The decision to leave Real Madrid: “When I made the decision to leave, I knew I could still play a lot of games with the club, but that didn’t affect my decision. It was very clear to me. When a person feels that their time has come… I don’t regret, I knew it was the right time.
I am very happy with the decision I made. Now it’s easier for me, but at first I was shocked to see Real Madrid on TV, it felt weird. I have absolutely no regrets about this decision. Now I’m just another madridista.”
A return home: “Real Madrid didn’t call me. What if they call me to come back? I was very clear about the decision, knowing that I would have played 30, 40 or 50 matches again. It didn’t make me change the idea I had in mind. There are termination clauses here, I imagine mine is small, but I don’t even consider them paying the clause to take me back.”
Who will you sign at Real Madrid? : “I would love for him not to sign anyone and to bet on the Cantera players. The other day, Asencio had a very good match. La Cantera needs opportunities. If the club and the coach are courageous, this is the ideal time to do it.”
A possible return of Sergio Ramos: “He is a Real Madrid legend and a friend of mine. It would be good to see him back at Real, but I know absolutely nothing about the possibilities of such a transfer. Compared to what you say in Spain, it seems compromised.”
Regarding his non-presence in selection: “Of all those who won the Euro, the only one who stayed away for a sporting decision was me. I miss the selection. Since we won the Euro, I have never spoken to Luis de la Fuente again. I always wanted to go there. I find that a bit weird. Other teammates changed teams and countries and kept going. “It’s a question for the coach, I haven’t had any problems with him, but I haven’t spoken to him either.”
