Vinicius Junior is one of the most influential players of his generation. The Real Madrid star, who took a risk by pursuing his football endeavours in Europe, is easily one of the best players in the world.
Or, at least, he was one of the best players in the world a few seasons ago. Admittedly, the last season and a half have not been kind to the Real Madrid superstar. In fact, ever since the Ballon d'Or uproar, it can be said that Vini Jr has not been the same player since.
After the Ballon d'Or scandal, Real Madrid obviously sided with and supported Vini Jr. Now, though, the relationship appears sour, and this is shown both on and off the pitch.
Vinicius Junior leaving Real Madrid is now painfully obvious
According to a report from The Athletic, Vinicius Junior has made it abundantly clear that he won't renew his Real Madrid contract while his current relationship with Xabi Alonso remains.
This topic has been covered to death, but for a bit of context: Vini Jr does not think Xabi Alonso is treating him fairly. He has seen a sheer reduction in his minutes, and Vini Jr has gone from a big fish in a big pond to a tiny fish in a big pond.
The report also touches on Vini Jr's apology statement, that was issued after he threw a tantrum when being benched in El Clasico. Vini did not mention Alonso in the statement, and this is now believed to have been an intentional play.
Xabi Alonso runs Real Madrid, and Vini Jr doesn't like it. The same can probably be said vice versa; Alonso clearly doesn't like Vini, otherwise he would play more. Heck, we all know Vini has the talent to play each and every game for Real Madrid.
Unfortunately, all of the signs are pointing in one direction. There is little use in Real Madrid trying to rekindle the relationship between Alonso and Vini. A better use of everyone's time is for Vini to leave the club.
And, look, that would be a sad, sad day for Real Madrid fans. Vini Jr is easily one of the best players to play for Real Madrid in the 21st century. However, he's only good when he wants to play and, right now, he clearly doesn't want to.
So, as painful as this is to say, Real Madrid fans might as well bid farewell to Vini Jr now.