Real Madrid signee Vinicius Junior is owned by the club, but his arrival in Spain has yet to be confirmed. However, after the end of Flamengo’s match Sunday, the promising forward was in tears as he talked with fans. Could this be the last match he plays before his switch to Los Blancos?
Tears ran down the 17-year-old’s face as he hugged some supporters in the first row of the Estádio Luso Brasileiro. Although he has spent just over a year in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, it is clear how much Flamengo as a whole has meant to Vinicius.
With the Brazilian league taking a break for the next month during the World Cup, this could be his last game in a Flamengo kit. While nothing has yet to be announced or confirmed by either of the clubs, the agreement reached last summer laid out that Real Madrid would add the player labeled as the next Neymar this summer or the next.
Many have been wondering when there would be some sort of indicator of the deal being completed. We might have gotten that tip over the weekend.
Following the match, the young player had this to say about the potential move and his time with the Rio de Janiero based club.
"“Flamengo is the club that always helped me, took me out of Sao Goncalo and gave me a better life, took care of me. I just have to thank everyone who has helped me since I got to Flamengo,” the youngster said. “[Flamengo director of football Carlos] Noval is asking for me to stay a lot, but it is not me who will decide.”“It’s a difficult moment. I’m where I’ve always dreamed of. I could be saying goodbye to the greatest fans in the world, alongside my family, friends and everyone present. I did not expect to make my professional debut so soon and at 17 be able to leave and play for Real Madrid.”“It’s not yet defined [when I will go], but in the next few days it will be and I’ll let you know.”"
While Junior may still not know what the future holds, it seems pretty clear that he will be making the switch to Europe in the coming month. Even though he said he doesn’t know what will happen in the coming days, I think deep down he does.
Why would he get so emotional after the match against Paraná? The top division in Brazil resumes action in mid-July following the World Cup break. Flamengo will play one more match ahead of that time off against Palmeiras on Wednesday.
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However, based on his emotions and statements made after the match, it is looking more and more likely the deal will go through this summer rather than in 2019. I think it would be best for the young winger to stay in Brazil for another year or maybe two before making the jump to Spain.
But, I have faith in the Castilla coaching staff to help this very talented player realize his full potential and be the next Galactico.
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